The West is slow-rolling the process of giving Ukraine F-16s because it is scared of antagonizing Putin, former NATO commander says

• Ukraine's Western allies are wary of antagonizing Vladimir Putin, an ex-NATO commander said. 
• The West is delaying the delivery of F-16 jets to Ukraine as a result. 
• Ukraine says the fighter planes are crucial if its counteroffensive is to succeed. 

The West is delaying the process of giving F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine because it is wary of antagonizing Russian President Vladimir Putin, a former NATO chief said. 

Ukraine has been requesting F-16 planes for about a year, saying the fighter jets are essential if its to be able to defeat Russia, whose air force is bigger and better equipped.