Defence
Belgium to Deliver Three F-16s to Ukraine This Year
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Belgium will deliver three F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of the year. Zelensky stated these aircraft will help counter Russian cruise missiles and drones, utilizing capabilities previously provided by Dutch F-16s. Belgium is retiring its F-16 fleet in favor of the F-35. Meanwhile, a Russian attack on a market in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha killed two people and injured at least nine others. In diplomatic developments, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul spoke with Russian counterpart Sergej Lavrov in New York, marking their first contact since January 2022. Additionally, Ukraine imposed sanctions on 44 individuals involved in illegal parliamentary elections held in occupied territories, condemning the votes as a violation of international law.
Ozetta summarises; the reporting is the newsroom's