NATO chief hails allies' decision to begin training of Ukrainian pilots in fighter jets

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Tuesday an announcement by allies that they are going to start training Ukrainian pilots on fighter jets.

The training with fourth-generation fighter aircraft, including F-16s by the US, the UK and other NATO allies "is part of our long-term commitment to Ukraine’s ability to defend itself," Stoltenberg said in a doorstep speech before an EU defense ministers meeting in Brussels.

He called for "closer cooperation" between NATO and the EU to increase ammunition and defensive equipment manufacturing to support Ukraine and replace its reserves.

He stressed the need to ensure ammunition is interoperable and interchangeable and that there are no new barriers between European and North American NATO allies.

Stoltenberg said NATO will hold an informal event with transatlantic industry leaders on the margins of the next defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels on June 15-16, to which he invited EU High Representative Josep Borrell, EU Commissioner Thierry Breton and Ukrainian representatives.

He also emphasized the significance of NATO-EU cooperation on resilience and vital infrastructure, particularly the joint task force.