National security officials indicated that Washington backs international efforts to train Ukrainian pilots to operate F-16 fighter jets built in the United States. In the coming months, discussions with allied nations are expected to determine who will supply aircraft to Ukraine, along with timing and quantities.
President Biden informed G7 partners that the United States would back a coordinated program to train Ukrainian pilots on fourth‑generation fighters, including the F-16. The agreement carries a clear condition: the aircraft must not be used to strike Russian territory, regardless of which country contributes them to Ukraine.
Ukraine has consistently signaled its readiness to adhere to these terms, according to Sullivan.
During the briefing, the vice president noted that military support from Kyiv helps the United States avoid broader conflict while underscoring Washington’s commitment to backing Ukraine in defending sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The White House spokesperson added that American officials are watching Russia’s response as different arms are supplied to Kyiv.
Warriors – not the most necessary
Sullivan made a point that F-16s, unlike the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system, are not essential to Kyiv’s immediate counteroffensive. He noted that for offensive action the United States has already provided tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles, and artillery shells.
He stated that the military aid approach aligns with the conflict needs. The president has made it clear that the potential use of F-16s for a counterattack is not the focal point at this stage.
Yet the deputy president suggested it is time to plan for Ukraine’s future military capabilities. He indicated that the airframes are not currently suited for imminent combat, but they could become increasingly relevant down the line.
The Most Effective Defender of F-16 Deliveries
Sources cited by The Washington Post describe Secretary of State Antony Blinken as the driving force behind coordinating F-16 deliveries to Kyiv from European stockpiles. The reporting highlights his active dialogue with European counterparts to facilitate fighter transfers.
The coverage also recalls Blinken’s earlier push to permit the transfer of M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, despite initial Pentagon resistance, which allowed allied nations to begin delivering their tanks to Kyiv.
Interviews note that U.S. officials have moved to remove objections to fighter deliveries from EU partners, with pressure from NATO allies, Congress, and the Ukrainian leadership contributing to that shift.
G7 summit resolutions
Reports from Politico and CNN indicate that President Biden intends to announce a fresh $375 million military aid package for Ukraine at the G7 summit in Hiroshima. The package is expected to include artillery, ammunition, and rocket launchers, with Politico adding armor and anti-tank weapons to the mix.
The White House confirmed that a personal meeting between Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is planned during the summit.
CNN reported that the administration has signaled it will not block the supply of F-16s to Ukraine by European partners. NBC reiterated that the planes are likely to be transferred to Kyiv through European routes rather than a direct U.S. handoff. The broadcasts stressed that the F-16s will not be used in the current counteroffensive and that training would most likely occur in Europe over several months.
On May 17, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands announced efforts to form an international coalition to provide Ukraine with combat aviation capabilities, including training and procurement of F-16s. Ukrainian defense adviser Yuriy Sak stated that Kyiv needs 40–60 fighters to bolster air defenses.