The situation in Ukraine is dire. Russia has invaded the country with tens of thousands of troops, tanks, artillery, and drones. The Ukrainian army is fighting bravely, but it is outmatched and outgunned. It needs urgent help from its allies, especially the US.
One of the most pressing needs is air defense. Russia has been using its air superiority to launch devastating strikes on Ukrainian positions and infrastructure. Ukraine has a limited number of aging fighter jets, mostly Soviet-era MiGs, that are no match for Russia’s modern Su-30s and Su-35s. Ukraine also lacks advanced air-to-air missiles, radars, and electronic warfare systems.
The US has the capability and the responsibility to change this. It should send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine as soon as possible, along with the necessary weapons, training, and support. F-16s are versatile, reliable and combat-proven. They can perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, as well as provide close air support to ground forces. They can also deter and counter Russia’s aggression in the region.
Sending F-16s to Ukraine is not only a moral duty, but also a strategic interest. It would signal to Russia that the US is serious about defending its ally and upholding the international order. It would also reassure other NATO members and partners in Eastern Europe that the US is committed to their security. It would also boost Ukraine’s confidence and morale and inspire other countries to join the effort.
Some may argue that sending F-16s to Ukraine is too risky or provocative. They may fear that it would escalate the conflict or trigger a nuclear war. But these arguments are misguided and dangerous. They ignore the reality that Russia is already escalating the conflict and violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. They also underestimate the deterrence value of F-16s, which could prevent further Russian aggression and create space for diplomacy.
The US has already sent other forms of military aid to Ukraine, such as Javelin anti-tank missiles, drones, radars, and Humvees. But these are not enough to stop Russia’s onslaught. Ukraine needs fighter jets now, before it is too late. The US should not repeat the mistake it made in 2014, when it hesitated to send lethal weapons to Ukraine after Russia annexed Crimea.
The US has a historic opportunity to stand with Ukraine and defend freedom and democracy. It should not let it slip away. It should send F-16s to Ukraine now, or else the blood will be on our hands.
AUTHOR(?) NOTE: The article above was totally written (no editing) by Bing AI in response to this request. “Write a newspaper article in support of sending jets to Ukraine.” Is this scary … or what?
So, there ‘tis.