f-16 fighter jet
A Belgian F-16 fighter jet during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Brussels on Tuesday.
  • Belgium plans to send 30 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, but it must avoid using them over Russia.
  • Zelenskyy has emphasized Ukraine's need for enhanced air defenses against Russia.
  • The F-16s are part of a $1 billion aid package, with delivery over four years.

Belgium has agreed to send 30 US-made F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine as long as they aren't flown within Russian territory.

"F-16 jets will be provided to Ukraine as soon as possible. Our aim is to be able to provide first aircraft before the end of this year, 2024," Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo announced Tuesday while hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "Everything which is covered by this agreement is very clear. It is for utilization by the Ukraine Defense Forces on Ukraine['s] territory."