Russian diplomat: Transfer of F-16 jets to Ukraine will highlight NATO's role in the conflict

Afghan voice agency (AVA) - Monitoring: According to a Reuters report,US President Joe Biden on Friday (May 12) approved training programs for Ukrainian pilots with F-16 fighter jets, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky assured Biden that the planes would not be used to enter Russian territory.

Anatoly Antonov, Russia's ambassador to the United States, said in a statement published on the embassy's Telegram channel: "There is no infrastructure for F-16 operations in Ukraine, and there is no required number of pilots and maintenance personnel."

He added: "What will happen if American fighters take off from NATO airfields controlled by foreign volunteers?"

Antonov noted that any Ukrainian attack on Crimea will be considered as an attack on Russia.

"It is important that the United States is fully aware of Russia's response," he said.

Ukraine has intensified its attacks on Russian-controlled targets, especially in the Crimean peninsula , which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

Antonov also reiterated Russia's accusation against the United States of intensifying pressure on Western countries.

He said: "Washington completely subordinated the members of the Group of 7 to its policy on the conflict in Ukraine." He added that the United States wants the "strategic defeat" of Russia.

During the G7 summit in Japan earlier this week, these countries announced their long-term support for Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who was also present at the meeting, said: he is confident that Ukraine will receive F-16 aircraft.