Ukraine is working with the Czech Republic to establish a training centre for F-16 fighter pilots. This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky during a press conference with Czech leader Petr Pavel.
According to him, consultations are currently underway between representatives of both countries at the government and military levels on further steps in the development of the aviation coalition, in particular on the establishment of a Ukrainian-Czech school for training flight personnel.
The head of state stressed that due to daily Russian shelling, it is currently impossible to create such a base in Ukraine. At the same time, he assured that Kyiv is working with its partners to open such educational institutions outside the country.
Zelenskyy also noted that Ukraine expects to receive about three million artillery shells from the United States and European countries this year.
‘I am convinced that the stronger Ukraine is, the sooner the war will end. All the necessary tools for this are now in the hands of our allies, primarily the United States and Europe. Maintaining unity between America and Europe is a key task. Initiatives such as the Czech one will help force Russia to agree to a complete ceasefire,’ the president stressed.
He added that Ukraine does not seek to prolong the war, but wants it to end. ‘There is not only the “Czech initiative”. We are grateful for it. But the Russians should know that we are counting on 3 million artillery shells. And it is not only North Korea that will help them. We have allies who are helping Ukraine. This does not mean that we want a long war. We want to end it. All wars end. I am confident that the war will end, just as long dictatorships end. The same is true of any empire built solely on the principles of war, disrespect for human life and human rights,’ Zelensky said.