Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the idea of ​​a volunteer air fleet of F-16 aircraft "wonderful," but noted that the decision on pilots should be made by the United States.

"As for the F-16 volunteer air fleet, I think it is a wonderful idea. Of course, we raised it with our partners, congressmen are on the same side with us. Of course, this is the U.S. decision. Exclusively theirs. We will continue to work on it," Zelenskyy said at a press conference at the Ukraine 2024. Independence forum on Tuesday in Kyiv.

He said the decisions of other countries also depend on the United States. In particular, he recalled that Ukraine had agreed on the supply of F-16 aircraft with Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, "and the United States is providing the permits."

"The United States is providing the permits. The same is true with this issue," the president said.

Earlier, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said Ukraine could invite retired Western F-16 pilots "who want to fight for freedom."

"Retired F-16 pilots who want to fight for freedom can be hired by Ukraine. Ukrainians will look for ready-made pilots who have retired among NATO countries to help them until Ukraine trains its pilots," he said at a briefing in Kyiv.