Ukrainian President visits home of Belgium's F-16 fighter jets after £831m deal signed
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has visited an airbase in Belgium to see the F-16 aircraft his countrymen are expected to receive to defend their homeland against the Russian invasion.
He met Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo at Melsbroek military base following the signing of a bilateral security agreement which will include the delivery of 30 fighter jets to Ukraine.
"Ukraine is looking forward to receiving F-16 fighter jets from its Western partners to strengthen the defence of our skies," said Mr Zelensky.
"I visited the Melsbroek military base, where our servicemen are being trained," Mr Zelensky said.
"We are also waiting for our warriors who are training to maintain F-16s at home.
"They are highly motivated to start performing combat missions and speed up the victory of our country."
The agreement, which is an assurance of long-term support between Ukraine and Belgium, will include the transfer of €977m (£831m) in military aid.
Furthermore, under the new deal, 30 F-16 jets will be delivered to Ukraine by 2028.
The two leaders were pictured inspecting the aircraft at the airbase and meeting personnel being trained on the fighters.
Mr Zelensky said: "The document also envisages defence industrial co-operation, the support for Ukraine's Peace Formula, strengthening of sanctions against Russia, compensating damages, justice for the aggressor, the use of frozen Russian assets and economic recovery.
"Ukraine and Belgium will also deepen their co-operation in intelligence, cyber security and countering disinformation.
"Belgium also expresses support for Ukraine's future EU and Nato membership.
"I thank Prime Minister De Croo, his government and all Belgians for their unwavering and long-lasting support for Ukraine."
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