Lindsey Graham (Photo:REUTERS/Marko Djurica)
From: New Voice of Ukraine 🇺🇦
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has suggested that retired F-16 fighter jet pilots could assist Ukraine in the war against Russia.
During his visit to Kyiv on Aug. 12, he said that Ukraine could recruit retired F-16 pilots who are willing to “fight for freedom.”
“They [the Ukrainians] would seek out willing pilots from NATO countries who have retired to assist them until their own pilots are trained,” said Graham.
The senator noted that this approach would enable Ukraine to deploy F-16 aircraft supplied by allies sooner, while Ukrainian pilots undergo training in sufficient numbers.
“My message is this: we need to be fully engaged,” Graham added.
“Here’s what I want to see in 2024: I’m going to bring this up. I’m asking [U.S.] President [Joe] Biden, before you leave office, to make sure this offer is extended.”
On Aug. 4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the first batch of F-16s—rumored to be around six aircraft—has arrived in Ukraine and was in service with the country’s air force.
Voice of Ukraine 