Ukraine expects F-16 jets from Belgium to counter Russian drones, Zelensky says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine expects to receive F-16 fighter jets and ammunition from Belgium to counter Russian drone attacks, particularly against jet-powered Shahed drones. During an audience with Belgian King Philippe, Zelensky emphasized that strengthening air defense remains Ukraine's top priority and that F-16s help protect against Russian strikes. He also met with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, discussing overnight Russian attacks on energy infrastructure that left nearly 15,000 people without power in Volyn and partial outages in Kyiv. Zelensky stressed the importance of keeping Russian frozen assets frozen while the war continues. Finland recently pledged F-16 ammunition, and Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhen Khmar said there have been cases of 100% interception of jet drones using F-16s and Mirage aircraft.