DISINFO: Transfer of F-16 fighter aircrafts by Denmark to Ukraine is an escalation
SUMMARY
The donation of F-16 fighter jets by Denmark to Kyiv leads to an escalation of the conflict. Copenhagen seeks to leave Ukraine with no choice but to continue the military confrontation with Russia.
RESPONSE
The claim advances a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative regarding Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.
Ukraine is defending itself against a Russian attack, not escalating the war that the Kremlin unleashed. According to the UN Charter, Ukraine, on its sovereign territory, can use any methods of self-defence against Russian aggression.
On August 20, 2023, Denmark announced it would supply F-16s to Ukraine. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said it plans to deliver 19 aircrafts in total, with the first six due to be shipped to Ukraine around the New Year, followed by eight in 2024 and five the following year. Ukraine may only use the donated F-16s within its own territory. This is not an escalation of the conflict, this is self-defence against Russian aggression.
Jakob Ellemann-Jensen, Denmark's defence minister, criticised the Russian ambassador in Copenhagen, Vladimir Barbin, who called the sending of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine an escalation of the conflict. The transfer of F-16 fighter aircrafts to Ukraine cannot be seen as an escalation. It is only about protecting Ukraine. Allowing a country to defend itself can never be an act of aggression.
"A representative of a country that has invaded a peaceful neighbour and is killing civilians dares to say that others are escalating a conflict that they could stop tomorrow by simply saying that now we are leaving for our country. I think he should be ashamed," Ellemann-Jensen says.
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