F-16 fighters will not help Ukraine achieve victory

Even if the Ukrainian army receives F-16 fighters, which Kyiv has been requesting for over a year, it will not signify a turning point in the war. This was stated by former Presidential Office advisor Alexey Arestovich.

In protracted warfare, success is determined by the side with greater potential. A protracted war involves not just the military as a large orchestra with numerous instruments but the entire state. In these large orchestras, the introduction of F-16s may be heard, but they won’t significantly shift the situation. With a sufficient number of aircraft, Ukraine could conduct counteroffensive actions in specific sectors of the front or more effectively resist the opponent in certain areas where they are attempting to advance, explained the former official.

However, this situation won’t last long as the adversary always devises countermeasures. Ukraine finds itself in a scenario where neither side can effectively launch offensives, but the adversary has implemented measures that give them advantages in a protracted war, while Kyiv and its partners have not. Therefore, discussing offensives from the Ukrainian side this year may not be very relevant.