Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur expressed skepticism about Ukraine gaining a decisive edge on the battlefield solely through the arrival of Western aircraft. In a broadcast with RBC-Ukraine, he cautioned that while jet fighters are valuable, they do not automatically alter the trajectory of a campaign. The real turning point, he argued, comes from a ground presence that can seize and hold territory, because once an area is lost, aircraft alone cannot restore it without a prepared ground force.
Ppevkur went on to emphasize that the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine must conduct a careful assessment of the weapons and equipment Ukraine still needs to sustain combat operations. He highlighted the ongoing requirement for ammunition across different types of multiple launch rocket systems, and he pointed out that long-range missiles would play a critical role in shaping battlefield dynamics over time. The remarks reflect a broader view that air power must be integrated with robust land-based capabilities to sustain gains and prevent reversals.
In parallel remarks from Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky outlined a strategy to expand the training program for Ukrainian pilots on American F-16 fighter jets. He indicated that training is currently underway, though not yet at a large scale, and stressed the importance of progressively increasing the number of pilots who can operate these modern aircraft. This approach is framed as part of a broader effort to modernize Ukraine’s air forces and improve interoperability with Western partners.
Earlier comments from European Union officials have touched on the timing of the first F-16 deployments to Ukraine, underscoring the complexity of coordinating allied defense support with Ukraine’s own strategic and operational needs. The dialogue around F-16s is situated within a larger debate about how Western aid translates into practical battlefield effectiveness and how training pipelines can be scaled to deliver tangible gains on the frontline.
Analysts note that the pathway to a durable strategic advantage for Ukraine is likely to involve a balanced mix of air superiority, long-range strike capabilities, and a resilient ground campaign. The ability to control airspace supports sustained ground operations, but it must be paired with initiative and capacity on the ground to recapture and hold territories. The evolving defense posture in Kyiv continues to depend on both fresh equipment and the human factors—training, readiness, and leadership—that enable troops to use that equipment effectively. The overall message from officials in Kyiv and allied capitals remains clear: Western support is essential, but success demands a comprehensive, integrated approach that aligns air power with disciplined ground operations and robust logistics across frontline zones.