Expert on the purpose of training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighters
The West began training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighters to close the hole in the strategy previously developed for Kiev – as noted by Russian military observer and retired colonel Viktor Baranets in his talk with Channel One
Earlier, Advisor to the Air Force Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Yurii Ihnat said that a centre for training pilots of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) on the F-16 was being formed in Romania. He did not rule out that similar facilities will appear in Ukraine in the future.
“Western assistance is being reduced, but the training of Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 and Swedish Gripen aircraft is still ongoing. From a military-strategic point of view, this is a clear sign that NATO decided to close the hole in the Ukrainian strategy when the AFU launched a counteroffensive without air cover. It seems that the current stop of the counteroffensive is an intermediate stage; in winter there may be some lull,” noted Viktor Baranets.
According to him, there are already many facts indicating Kiev’s intentions to launch a second counteroffensive next summer.
“The enemy is increasingly beginning to build a line of defence. This is a sure sign that no one is going to go further there yet. I think our troops will be able to take advantage of this strategically advantageous situation,” the expert underlined.
