Ukraine now using new F-16 fighter jets, says Zelenskiy

Ukrainian pilots have started flying F-16s, Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said, confirming the long-awaited arrival of the US-made fighter jets more than 29 months since Russia's invasion.

- Deborah Cole

The Ukrainian leader announced the use of F-16s, which Kyiv has long lobbied for, as he met military pilots at an airbase flanked by two of the jets, with two more flying overhead.

"F-16s are in Ukraine. We did it. I am proud of our guys who are mastering these jets and have already started using them for our country," Zelenskiy said.

The arrival of the jets is a milestone for Ukraine after months of waiting, though it remains unclear how many are available and how much of an impact they will have on enhancing air defences and on the battlefield.

Russia has been targeting bases that may house them and has vowed to shoot them down.

The F-16s are equipped with a 20mm cannon and can carry bombs, rockets and missiles. Zelenskiy said Ukraine still did not have enough pilots trained to use the F-16s or enough of the jets themselves.

"The positive thing is that we are expecting additional F-16s... many guys are now training," he said.