People are being warned to take Vladimir Putin’s recent threat against F-16 fighter jets very seriously.
Swedish Lieutenant Colonel Joakim Paasikivi from the Stockholm Defence University said to the Swedish news agency TT: “If Putin is looking for a fight with NATO, this is how it begins. Then it could lead to a third world war.”
Earlier this week, the Russian President dismissed Western concerns about Kremlin plans to attack NATO countries as “nonsense.”
However, regarding the promise made by some EU nations to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets, Putin remarked: “If these jets are used from airfields in other countries, they become a legitimate target for us, no matter where they are.”
Putin also noted that Russia needs to consider the fact that the F-16s, which are made in the US, can carry nuclear weapons.
Lt. Col. Paasikivi believes that Putin’s mention of the F-16s’ nuclear capability fits into the Kremlin’s narrative, portraying the West as the aggressor and Russia as the victim.
He stated: “Putin sees it as crucial to always portray the West as the main danger to the domestic audience. The so-called nuclear threat from the West is a key part of the entire Russian story.”
Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Putin has mentioned the nuclear threat multiple times, hinting that he could use nuclear weapons if Russia’s nuclear doctrine is violated.
Despite Europe and the US facing repeated threats from Putin, his supporters, and political allies over the past two years, the Swedish lieutenant colonel noted that Putin’s recent comments included a new detail.
He clarified: “Similar threats have been made before, but to directly specify the F-16s as potential targets and to mention striking Western targets is something new.”
Lt Col Paasikivi believes that Putin is worried about Ukraine acquiring F-16s and enhancing its military capabilities.
This happens as more Ukrainian pilots are undergoing training in preparation for the promised delivery.
Countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium have committed to giving Ukraine 45 military aircraft so far. However, this number could increase to 60 by the end of the year.
