Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that supplying Ukraine with U.S.-built F-16 fighter jets could lead to nuclear escalation. In a speech on Monday, Lavrov said that one of the modifications of the F-16 can "accommodate" nuclear weapons. He warned that if Ukraine were to receive these jets, it would "change the entire strategic situation in Europe."
Lavrov's comments come as the United States and its allies are considering providing Ukraine with more advanced weapons systems, including fighter jets. The United States has so far refused to provide Ukraine with fighter jets, but some lawmakers are calling for a policy change. The potential supply of F-16s to Ukraine has raised concerns about the risk of nuclear escalation. Russia has a large nuclear arsenal, and it has warned that it would use nuclear weapons if it felt its existence was threatened.
The United States has said that it is committed to deterring Russia from using nuclear weapons. However, the potential supply of F-16s to Ukraine could raise the risk of nuclear miscalculation. It is important to note that the United States has not yet made a decision on whether to provide Ukraine with F-16s. However, Lavrov's comments suggest that Russia is taking the possibility seriously.
The potential supply of F-16s to Ukraine is a complex issue with significant risks. It is important to weigh the risks of nuclear escalation against the potential benefits of providing Ukraine with more advanced weapons systems. The United States and its allies will need to carefully consider all of the options before making a decision on whether to provide Ukraine with F-16s.