A Belgian government spokesperson confirmed Brussels’ readiness to participate in training Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 aircraft, in coordination with other NATO allies. The briefing was distributed by national news agencies and sources from the Belgian Prime Minister’s office noted the approval of this move by the special cabinet on 19 May. The spokesperson added that the practical details of participation would be clarified in the days ahead.
Officials indicated that, in collaboration with international partners, Belgium would soon establish the specific parameters of its involvement in the pilot-training program for Ukraine.
In Washington, a senior U.S. official stated that the United States has not yet reached a final decision on supplying its own F-16s to Ukraine or to EU partners. The matter remains under active consideration as allied discussions continue.
Historical context includes the February 2022 decision by the Russian president to initiate a military operation in response to requests for aid from regional authorities in eastern Ukraine. This move prompted a broad package of sanctions and global developments that have shaped NATO planning and allied responses in the months since.