"Claims that elite Western F-16 pilots are secretly patrolling Ukraine's skies have sent shockwaves through defence circles - but Kyiv insists it's all Ukrainian pilots in action, and no, Tom Cruise is not starring as Maverick over the skies of Ukraine. Reports from French outlet Intelligence Online suggested a top-secret international squadron of US and Dutch veterans was deployed on temporary contracts to intercept Russian drones and missiles using advanced Lockheed Martin targeting pods. But Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat hit back, calling the reports "just rumours" from a source of dubious reputation."
"Ihat refuted the claims of Intelligence Online that American and Dutch pilots are flying in Ukraine. He also believes that the publication may be related to Russia's interests. Ihnat said, "There is no direct evidence of funding or influence from Russia, but the publication [Intelligence Online] sometimes becomes the subject of criticism due to the specifics of its content. "Some Ukrainian analytical centers, including the "Democratic Initiatives" Foundation, note that the publication's materials periodically feature narratives that are beneficial to Russia"."
Allegations surfaced that elite Western F-16 pilots from the US and the Netherlands were secretly flying combat sorties over Ukraine to intercept Russian drones and missiles using advanced Lockheed Martin targeting pods. Kyiv's Air Force denied the claims and asserted that only Ukrainian pilots fly combat missions, calling the reports rumours and warning they could be enemy misinformation. Cooperation with international partners on training and tactics continues, but combat sorties remain Ukrainian-operated. Analysts attribute the rumours to fog of war, confusion, and strategic messaging, while heightened Russian drone and missile attacks have kept Kyiv's skies heavily contested.
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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