Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday that Belgium has agreed to deliver three F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of the year. This announcement was made during a press conference alongside Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder. The F-16 fighter jets are expected to significantly enhance Ukraine's military capabilities.
According to President Zelenskyy, Ukraine has already received emergency shipments of F-16 ammunition from Belgium and Spain. This development is part of a broader effort by Western nations to bolster Ukraine's defenses against Russian aggression. The F-16 fighter jets will be delivered through expedited procedures, ensuring their rapid deployment.
In a related development, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree increasing the size of the Russian military to 1.55 million active-duty soldiers. This move is seen as a significant escalation of Russia's military capabilities, amid ongoing tensions with Ukraine and the West. The increase will bring the total number of Russian military personnel to 2.44 million.
President Zelenskyy also addressed concerns about North Korean troops fighting on behalf of Russia. He claimed that over 8,000 North Korean soldiers are currently stationed on Russian territory, with preparations underway to deploy an additional 10,000 troops. This development has raised concerns about the potential involvement of North Korean forces in the conflict.
The announcement of F-16 deliveries from Belgium comes amid a dispute between South Korea and Ukraine over the transfer of North Korean prisoners. Ukraine had previously announced that it had transferred two North Korean prisoners to South Korea, sparking concerns about the confidentiality of the transfer.
Estimates suggest that North Korea has deployed between 14,000 and 15,000 soldiers to support Russia's war effort in Ukraine since 2024. These troops have primarily been stationed in the Kursk region, where they have been involved in efforts to repel Ukrainian forces. Ukraine and independent analysts have also reported that North Korea has supplied Russia with significant quantities of military equipment.
The conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, with both sides suffering significant losses. The international community remains engaged in efforts to find a peaceful resolution, with NATO reaffirming its support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
Key points
- Ukraine to receive three F-16 fighter jets from Belgium by the end of the year.
- Russia to increase military personnel to 1.55 million active-duty soldiers.
- North Korea has deployed thousands of soldiers to support Russia's war effort in Ukraine.
