4th Western-supplied F-16 crashes in Ukraine
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Ukraine confirms the loss of a fourth Western-supplied F-16 jet in combat, as Russia reiterates threats that the warplanes launched from third countries are legitimate targets.
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Ukrainian Air Force's F-16 fighter jet flies in an undisclosed location in Ukraine, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024 (AP, File)
Another Western-supplied F-16 fighter jet has been lost in combat in Ukraine, the Ukrainian air force confirmed on Sunday.
According to a statement on Telegram, the aircraft sustained damage during an operation, and the pilot, a first-class officer holding the rank of lieutenant colonel, failed to eject.
This marks the fourth confirmed F-16 jet lost by Kiev since August 2024 and the third crash since the beginning of 2025.
Putin warns F-16s operating from third countries
In late March, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that F-16 fighter jets would not shift the outcome of the battlefield in Ukraine.
He warned that any Ukrainian aircraft taking off from a third country's territory would be deemed a legitimate target for Russian forces.
Russia criticizes continued NATO weapon transfers
Russia has consistently condemned the transfer of Western arms to Ukraine, claiming that such actions obstruct the resolution of the conflict and effectively draw NATO countries deeper into the crisis.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that any cargo transporting weapons to Ukraine would be considered a legitimate target for the Russian military.
The downing of yet another F-16 underscores ongoing challenges for Ukraine's air force despite increased Western support.
Putin says Russia, Ukraine peace proposals contradictory
Putin stated Friday that the peace demands put forward by Russia and Ukraine remain “absolutely contradictory", following two unsuccessful rounds of negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.
Speaking at a press conference in Minsk, Belarus, Putin commented on the memorandums exchanged during the peace talks in Istanbul earlier this month, where Russian and Ukrainian negotiators outlined their respective visions for ending the war.
"As for the memorandums, as expected, nothing surprising happened... these are two absolutely contradictory memorandums," he said. “That’s why negotiations are being organised and conducted, in order to find a path to bringing them closer together.”
No progress beyond prisoner exchanges
Despite the diplomatic efforts, little progress has been made beyond large-scale prisoner exchanges. On June 2, both sides agreed to release over 1,000 captured soldiers, primarily those who are wounded, ill, or under the age of 25. Several swaps have occurred since then.
Putin also stated that Russia is prepared to hand over the bodies of 3,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in action.
Russia’s demands and Ukraine’s firm stance
Russia has demanded that Ukraine cede additional territory and abandon Western military support as conditions for peace. Kiev has rejected these terms as unacceptable, asserting its sovereignty and right to defend its borders.
While both sides have agreed to continue contact following the prisoner exchanges, the stark differences in peace terms signal a prolonged and entrenched conflict with no imminent resolution in sight.
Read more: Kremlin warns Ukraine may lose more land without peace deal
