The United States does not seek an escalation of Russian aggression against Ukraine, much less for it to turn into a nuclear confrontation, so Ukraine will receive F-16 aircraft without modification, which are capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

This was stated by spokesman for the National Security Council of the United States John Kirby, reports Reuters.

Thus, he commented on the words of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who earlier stated about the alleged "danger" of transferring F-16 aircraft to Ukraine, since one of the modifications is capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

"The purpose of providing advanced fighter jets is to help Ukraine defend itself, protect its airspace and its territorial integrity," Kirby said.

Kirby also responded bluntly to Lavrov: "If you're worried about Ukrainian military capabilities, then you should withdraw your troops and leave Ukraine."

In addition, he said that US President Joe Biden is consistent in that he does not want an escalation of the war, and certainly does not want it to escalate into a nuclear one.

We will remind, earlier it was reported that Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said that during the counteroffensive, which is scheduled for the summer, Ukraine will not use modern F-16 fighters, but will use all ground weapons.

In addition, we previously informed that sending Ukrainian pilots abroad for training on modern F-16 fighters will take place in several waves.

Read also:

• Not only F-16: Zelensky reveals composition of "coalition of fighters" for Ukraine
• "Nobody believes in our red lines": Russian propagandists are hysterical over the transfer of F-16s to Ukraine (video)
• When the Armed Forces of Ukraine will liberate the entire territory of Ukraine: expert named important factors

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