US Stance on F-16s and Strikes into Russia Remains Unchanged

The presence of F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine does not alter the US position regarding strikes deep into Russia, stated Matthew Miller, a spokesman for the US State Department.

"My answer has not changed: we continue to look at the needs of the Ukrainian military, assess the security situation, and try to respond to their needs. That's how we make appropriate decisions about the weapons we provide to Ukraine, as well as the restrictions, if any, that we impose on the use of those weapons," Miller said, as quoted by Voice of America.

Meanwhile, Forbes reported that this summer, due to US restrictions, the Ukrainian Armed Forces missed a unique opportunity to destroy dozens of Russian Su-34 aircraft at the Malyshevo airbase near Voronezh. The Ukrainian command had requested permission to strike with ATACMS missiles, which are nearly impossible to intercept. However, the Biden administration responded with an outright refusal.