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Zelensky asks Finland for its soon to be decommissioned F-18s

It is emphasized that Ukraine is ready to "take any type of aircraft"

MOSCOW, August 23. /TASS/. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has asked Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo for fourth-generation F-18 fighter jets that Helsinki is set to decommission.

"We take whatever we are given," he said at a joint news conference with Orpo, who is visiting Kiev. "We are ready to train with anything that floats or flies. If Finland doesn't need F-18s, give them away, we [will take them] with pleasure."

Zelensky said that F-16s remain Ukraine's priority because of their large inventory, enough to meet the needs of the country's air force. However, he said, Ukraine is ready to "take any type of aircraft."

On August 20, Zelensky announced an agreement with Amsterdam about supplying 42 F-16 fighter jets to Kiev. Denmark also said that it was ready to deliver 19 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. The first six aircraft are set to arrive by the end of this year. The Danish Air Force has about 30 of these fighter jets that will be decommissioned when the country switches to the more modern F-35. The Dutch Air Force has 42 F-16 aircraft. Denmark and the Netherlands have already announced the training of Ukrainian pilots, a process that will take at least six months.

The F-18, also known as the Hornet, is a carrier-capable fighter and attack aircraft that the US developed in the 1970s. It remains in service in some European countries.

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Ukraine crisis Finland Vladimir Zelensky

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