Ukraine will not receive F-16 aircraft in the near future, the spokesperson for the Air Force of Ukraine, Yuriy Ihnat, has said.
"It is already obvious that we will not be able to defend Ukraine with F-16 aircraft this autumn or winter," Ihnat said.
He noted that the fighter jets were supposed to help protect Ukraine from Russian missile and drone attacks and become part of Ukraine's air defence.
"But, whatever the case, the issue has moved on. We understand that our pilots will be training in the near future. But at the same time, our air defence needs to be strengthened," he added.
As previously reported, the first group of six Ukrainian pilots is not expected to complete training on the US-made F-16 until next summer.