US to train Ukrainian pilots in F16 jets as Wagner Group's future remains uncertain

In Russia, the Kremlin has described claims that it was involved Yevgeny Prigozhin's presumed death as - quote - "an absolute lie." This comes after President Vladimir Putin sent his condolences to his family, saying Prigozhin had made mistakes but achieved results. Russian authorities say the Wagner mercenary leader was listed as a passenger on a flight that crashed with no survivors. He had been one of Putin's most important allies - until June, when he led an armed rebellion against Moscow's military leadership.

The United States says it will train Ukrainian pilots to fly F16 fighters, after European countries pledged to give Kyiv the jets. The Pentagon said that flight training would begin in the US state of Arizona in October. Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway have all announced that they will provide Ukraine with the advanced US-made aircraft. Kyiv has long been seeking the jets to bolster its Soviet-era air force - but training will likely take several months.

Russia's presence in the African continent heavily depends on the Wagner Group. But now, after the possible death of the head of the Wagner group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, there is uncertainty about the private military's role. Many African countries depend on Russia for economic aid. Russia exerts its influence also through military cooperation. This often involves the Wagner Group. The mercenary group has been active in countries like Mali, Sudan, Libya, and Central African Republic. Wagner is also accused of political interference in these countries.

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[JDSFLA]

I was calling for this two years ago knowing that the integration of F16's into the Ukrainian air force would be complicated and take time. All this time has been wasted by non-existent forward thinking by Western politicians and militaries making it impossible for Ukraine to use F16's in the current counter-offensive costing many additional lives. To top it off, now there are complaints that the counter-offensive is too slow, and not having the anticipated results. Well, what did you think would happen when you urge Ukraine to use "combined arms" but without essential air arm?

[darnellrobeson]

Smh. A mess. Their will be no more Ukaine by time they train those guys on these jet fighters. Ukraine needs to pledge neutrality and end the bloodshed.

[Starsetter]

I’ve heard that there are retired USAF and other NATO pilots willing to fly for Ukraine. Those jets might be in the air sooner then you think.

[finnwolffkaysfeld]

Denmark is already been training 70 Ukrainian military personnel on the F16 and only 6 of them are pilots for the first 6 F16s going to Ukraine. The rest is ground personnel to keep the F16 flying. Why are the international media so I'll informed? It was reported in the Danish news on DRTV the day Ukraine's President climbed in to the F16 with the Danish Prime Minister. It is also wrong when they say Ukraine will get more than 40 F16s from the Netherlands, they might, but they haven't promised any number, only Denmark have promised 19, but more might be coming later when we get all the F35s. 😮

[Ivansyoykov]

USA needs to send long range also. Let's get this done

[thegodkratos]

Glory to Ukraine and all the Heroes fighting against putıns terrorsts

[TheShodan]

And this is supposed to be the next "game changer". Just like the German Leopard tanks were supposed to be the "game changer". Just like Zelenskys counteroffensive was supposed to be the "game changer". It will fail.

[wrongturn]

That should have done already... Glory to Ukraine

[corneliusrupert]

"The goal is to wash money out of the tax bases of the US and Europe and back into the hands of a transnational security elite. The goal is an endless war, not a successful war." - Julian Assange

[hundun]

I've heard that it takes 5 years to train aF-16 pilot.

[MrBakedDaily]

I thought they was already training them 🤔

[henrilindroos]

Russian keyboard warriors real desperate in the comments 🤣

[thaymoua]

A murderer murdering another murderer! No loss for Ukraine.

[THESocialJusticeWarrior]

Could use them today if we REALLY wanted them to. Cuz contractors. So frustrating we are dragging our feet.

[sborton]

So what is going on here? If I am not mistaken, all of this was announced a couple of months ago. I even watched a "credible" main stream news channel talking about the Ukrainian pilots progressing faster than expected. Like I said, that was a couple of months ago.

[yeahbutytho]

Does Ukraine have anywhere to keep them the Russia will not destroy very quickly after they arrive?

[rarirover]

BY THE TIME THE FINISH TRAINING RUSSIA HAS ALREADY PREPARED AGAIN LIKE THE WAY THEY DID WITH THE MINES😂😂😂

[operator]

Romania has had f16's for over a decade and still arent up to speed but ukraine is going to do it in a few months or a year? Good luck! 😂

[williamdelange]

No German cruise missiles. But, hey, they will provide helmets for the F16 pilots!

[zacharydavis]

Thanks for spending the time to create and share this content awareness 🙏🏾