Ukraine allowed to use Dutch F-16s on Russian territory – Dutch Armed Forces Commander
Ukraine is allowed to deploy Dutch F-16s on Russian territory, Commander of the Armed Forces of the Netherlands Onno Eichelsheim told NOS.
"We have not imposed any restrictions on the use and range of the F-16s, provided that the law of war is observed," he said during a visit to the United States.
The Commander of the Armed Forces would have no problem with Dutch weapons being used in such offensive operations.
"Ukraine can use the resources we supply as it wishes, provided that it adheres to the humanitarian law of war," he said.
According to Eichelsheim, the Americans partly agree with this.
"They have different restrictions, but they have also supplied different weapon systems. We certainly have the same line to make sure that Ukraine wins the war. I think we are doing everything we can to make that happen," he said.
The highest military officer in the Netherlands finds the Ukrainian attack on Russian territory "brilliant in practical terms."
"They have taken over a large area in a good way, with new techniques, quite quickly. In doing so, they have created a dilemma for Putin. […] Ukraine has to act differently than it has done in the past period, because now it is a static front. So, I understand very well from a military operational point of view that Ukraine is trying it this way," Eichelsheim said, adding that the invasion is "at least the beginning of a possible strategic adjustment in the fight between Russia and Ukraine."
According to him, the question now is how Ukraine can exploit the presence in Kursk "strategically".
"You can use it as a bargaining chip, then you have to do something with negotiations. […] Or do you use it to ensure that Russia has to withdraw units from the Donbas region. We don't see the latter happening, so time will tell to what extent it will have a strategic impact," Eichelsheim said.
