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The US has authorised western allies to give F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine – and endorsed the training of Ukrainian pilots to fly the warplanes.

The move by US President Joe Biden was welcomed by the UK, Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark.

On Friday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted: “The UK will work together with the USA and the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark to get Ukraine the combat air capability it needs. We stand united.”

But how many jets will be delivered, when and which countries will provide them?

Here Sky News takes a closer look at the F-16 fighter jets and their significance for Ukraine’s war efforts.

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US Security briefing on F-16s to Ukraine

Why would F-16s be so important for the war?

Sky News’ military analyst Sean Bell says that although Russia has more tanks and aircraft, the people of Ukraine are proving tenacious and courageous on the battlefield.

Read more from Sky News:
Zelenskyy meets Sunak at G7 in Japan as US approves sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine
Analysis: Vladimir Putin’s ‘undefeatable’ missile was a costly illusion

Ukraine has gained confidence with the West providing more support and longer-range weapons. However, at the moment, Mr Bell said Zelenskyy has been asking for the capability for the past year, adding “fighter aircraft are the one thing that he can’t match Russia with.”

He adds that if the West provides manned combat aircraft, then the Russian air force “most certainly wouldn’t stand a chance.”

The F-16s hold significance in supporting Ukrainians in the war, but Mr Bell says it might take months or even years for military troops to learn how to operate the aircraft.

“This is about giving capability. And Zelenskyy has been banging the drum up until now.

“The West has been reluctant to do that because they know it will take time, but it would prove a very decisive capability in this conflict.”

What are the F-16s?

The F-16 is built by the American defence contractor Lockheed Martin.

A General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon fighter jet, belonging to the Royal Netherlands Air Force

It is a multi-role fighter aircraft created for the United States Air Force.

The F-16 has an internal M61 Vulcan cannon and 11 locations for mounting weapons and other equipment.

Its payload typically consists of two 2,000lb (907kg) bombs, two AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, two AIM-120 medium-range air-to-air missiles and two 2,400lb (1,088kg) external fuel tanks.

The jet can travel at speeds up to 1,500mph and has a range of more than 2,002 miles.

It has a wingspan of 32ft 8in (9.9m) and a length of 49ft 5in (13.8m). It weighs 19,700lb (8,935kg) without fuel and has a maximum takeoff weight of 37,500lb (17,010kg).

There is both a single-seat and two-seat model of the aircraft.

A US-made F-16 fighter jet drops flares during the annual Han Kuang No. 22 Military Exercise in 2006.

In 1991, during the Gulf War, F-16s were used to attack airfields, military production facilities and other targets.

It has also been used and flown in American conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo and the Persian Gulf.

They are operated by several countries other than the US, including Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark.

When can F-16s be realistically delivered?

There are two key factors to think about.

As F-16s are produced by the US, the Americans would need to provide permission to other nations to give their F-16 aircraft.

“The second thing is F-16s are the most widely exported aircraft in the world as there are a lot of them about,” Bell adds.

Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle (left), holds the helmet of one of the most successful Ukrainian pilots, inscribed with the words "We have freedom, give us wings to protect it", which was presented to him by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as he addressed parliamentarians in Westminster Hall, London, during his first visit to the UK since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Stefan Rousseau/PA)should read: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire
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Zelenskyy gave Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle a helmet during a visit to London

There are two factors to consider for the F-16s plan to fall into place.

First, training must take place to ensure pilots can fly the aircraft.

And second, it’s important to think about how the F-16s will actually be delivered.

Bell added: “Although there’s lots of countries operating them because it’s so expensive, nobody has more aircraft than they need, and nobody could afford to give to 20 to 30 of these platforms to Ukraine.”

Which countries could provide F-16s?

At the moment, there are around 25 countries that currently operate the F-16.

A Turkish Air Force F16 fighter jet makes a landing approach at the Incirlik Air Base, Turkey in 2013. AP

The fighter jets come at a high price, and Bell says that although many countries have them, “none of them have spare aircraft.”

He adds: “They’re just too expensive. You generally buy what you can afford and that’s not enough for everything you want to have them for.

So none of the nations will be able to get rid of excess jets. But I suspect what will happen is that they will need to focus on a commonality of jets.

“So who operates a certain block and a certain age of aircraft and see whether there is some shuffling behind the scenes that different countries can give each other aircraft so that you get a common aircraft that comes to Ukraine.”

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‘We have freedom, give us wings to protect it’

How soon could Ukraine start using them?

US officials have estimated that it could take 18 months for training and delivery of the jets.

On Monday, Emmanuel Macron said France was open to training Ukrainian pilots straight away.

London has agreed to start training pilots in the spring and said it would look at shortening the sessions for experienced Ukrainian pilots.

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said on Wednesday: “This is not about gifting weapon systems.

“This is about gifting a platform. If anyone follows Formula One, you don’t just gift a car, you have to gift a pit team.”

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How Donald Trump has upended millions of lives in his first 50 days in office

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How Donald Trump has upended millions of lives in his first 50 days in office

In just 50 days, Donald Trump has upended our world. He has ripped up rules, attacked allies and sided with enemies.

A country we thought for decades had our backs is no longer a reliable partner.

We travelled thousands of miles to ask what that means for our lives and millions of others – from the sweltering backstreets of Africa to the frozen wastes of Greenland and Finland’s tense border with Russia.

Donald Trumps supporters at home and abroad see him as the disruptor-in-chief who will bring peace and prosperity, putting America first.

But to many others we found he threatens chaos and a far darker future.

While Mr Trump may be challenging convention and bringing fresh thinking, his critics say he is moving too fast and erratically. His first 50 days in office, they claim, have weakened America’s place in the world and that will be exploited by rivals.

Trump 50: Kenya

Risk of resurgent epidemics in Kenya

We went first to Kenya. The focus in the West may have been on Mr Trump and Russia but in the developing world, it’s the end of US aid that is grabbing the headlines.

On the frontlines of Africa’s war on HIV we heard Mr Trump’s actions being compared to an act of “biological warfare”.

Even among allies and admirers of the American president, there is deep unease and fear about what could come next, most of all the risk of resurgent epidemics of diseases like HIV, TB, malaria, ebola, and polio.

A street in one of Kenya's poorest neighbourhoods in Nairobi
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A street in one of Kenya’s poorest neighbourhoods in Nairobi

In one of Kenya’s poorest neighbourhoods in Nairobi, we joined health workers on their rounds, down sewage-filled alleyways into cramped, overcrowded buildings.

In a one-room home, we met a young mother who is dependent on American aid. Anne is HIV positive and needs daily medication and nutritional support for both herself and her one-year-old son. She is terrified for their future because of the cut in US aid.

Anne, who is HIV positive, with her young child
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Anne, who is HIV positive, with her young child

An alleyway of one-room homes in Nairobi
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An alleyway of one-room homes in Nairobi

“I’m so worried,” she told us, “because if it carries on like this the medication could run out. When the medicine is not there, the protector of my body is not there, so anything can just pass through me.”

‘We had no warning’

Kenya received $850m (£658m) in aid a year and that has now been abruptly severed. A US Supreme Court decision against the Trump administration may restore some of that but there is complete uncertainty about what happens next.

Martha, a healthcare manager in Nairobi, spelled out what is at stake: “We had no warning. We could not prepare the households. It was so sudden.

Martha, a healthcare manager in Nairobi
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Martha, a healthcare manager in Nairobi

“We expect more death. We expect more children to die before the age of five. We expect more death for children living with HIV and it is going to be bad,” Martha said, adding that more than 20,000 children who use her organisation’s services will be affected.

90% of all US aid contracts cut

The Trump administration says the aid has been only been suspended for 90 days pending a review. But in reality, many key programmes appear to have been shut down completely.

After a 45-minute flight west of Nairobi to Kisumu, we saw what is happening away from big cities. The impact seemed just as severe.

At one provincial hospital US Agency for International Development (USAID) signs were everywhere but on doors that are now shut. It had been a hub for patients to receive their treatment but that’s now in doubt.

A health worker delivering medication in Kisumu
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A health worker delivering medication in Kisumu

Kisumu, Kenya
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Kisumu, Kenya

Staff told us there were just two months of supplies left for some medication, and less than a month for others, because there have been no more deliveries.

Patients were stockpiling drugs, said doctors, panicking for the future.

‘Biological warfare’

The US-supplied ammunition for Africa’s war against HIV, malaria, TB and other diseases is running out. It has taken decades and billions to bring them under control. The fear is of a return to epidemics not seen for years.

A sign thanking the American people in the hospital in Kisumu
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A sign thanking the American people in the hospital in Kisumu

Deliveries of medication supplied by USAID in the Kisumu hospital
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Deliveries of medication supplied by USAID in the Kisumu hospital

Eric Okioma is HIV positive and runs a charity helping others with the disease in Kisumu.

“When you look at it from a public health aspect, that’s biological warfare that’s the way I’m seeing it because from a human rights perspective, he did the wrong thing – he should not have taken it abruptly.”

Eric Okioma, who runs a charity helping others HIV in Kisumu
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Eric Okioma, who runs a charity helping others HIV in Kisumu

Mr Trump is popular among many in Kenya. His conservative stance on issues like gender and sexuality resonates in this predominantly Christian country.

But even among admirers and supporters there is deep unease about his aid cut.

Peter Gunday, a father and churchgoer, told us he agreed Kenya should be less dependent on US aid and encouraged to provide for itself – but Mr Trump’s action had been too sudden.

“He wants to make America great again… [but give an] olive branch to us even if it is only for some time.”

Peter Gunday, a churchgoer in Kisumu
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Peter Gunday, a churchgoer in Kisumu

The aid cut threatens lives and America’s standing in the world. The US has used aid to wield soft power and influence.

Read more:
US aid crisis leaves South Africans living with HIV in turmoil
What is USAID?

America in retreat

Its superpower rival China prefers building. They have lent billions for massive infrastructure projects like the new railway from Nairobi to the coast through the heart of the city’s safari park.

For Beijing it’s all leverage, applied ruthlessly to increase access to Africa’s abundant natural resources.

One of the new Chinese-built roads in Kenya
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One of the new Chinese-built roads in Kenya

Under Trump, America is unilaterally deserting that battle for power and influence. Its values and interests will inevitably suffer. Not so much America first but America in retreat.

Trump 50: Finland

Finland prepares for Russian aggression

Closer to home, it is America’s shift on security causing the greatest concern. We flew thousands of miles north to one of NATO‘s newest member countries that sits on a border with Russia.

What did people in Finland make of what Mr Trump is doing to the Western alliance they have only just joined?

We filmed with Finland‘s military on the border with Russia that was closed because of the war in Ukraine.

On Finland's border with Russia
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On Finland’s border with Russia

In sparsely populated woods, locals report sightings of Russian drones, we were told. And there has been a surge in recruits to the border guard because of the international situation.

One of them, Aku Jaeske, told us he had joined up “for the defence of our own country”.

Aku Jaeske
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Aku Jaeske

He said: “I think most of us, I think, are here because of that. It’s really hard if we have a 1,300 and something kilometre border with Russia – it’s pretty long – we have to have good men there.”

‘Bring it on’, says one Finn

What did he make of Mr Trump and what he saw on the news?

“I think it’s crazy when you turn your TV on today, you can’t know what is really happening.”

The war with Ukraine and Russia’s belligerence has sparked a boom in shooting, with hundreds of new ranges opening up in Finland to meet demand.

In a range outside Helsinki, one shooting enthusiast Jerkri told us what he thought was behind its growing popularity.

Jerkri says shooting has become popular in Finland because 'people are noticing maybe [they are] to take care of themselves'
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Jerkri says shooting has become popular in Finland because ‘people are noticing maybe [they are] to take care of themselves’

Inside one of Finland's growing number of shooting ranges
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Inside one of Finland’s growing number of shooting ranges

“The situation in Ukraine and people are noticing that maybe [they are] having to take care of themselves… think about it.”

Amateur shooters go through their paces, crisscrossing an open range at speed firing at targets dotted around the room. Patrick said he was worried by the direction of events.

“But if it did come to it… bring it on,” he said.

Patrick says 'bring it on' in response to a question on having to use his shooting skills in the future
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Patrick says ‘bring it on’ in response to a question on having to use his shooting skills in the future

In a service station, Finland’s most popular tabloid had the headline, “Trump’s 10 gifts to Putin.”

Finns were once a byword for peace-loving neutrality. They are arming up now, and watching Mr Trump’s overtures to the Kremlin warily.

Finland after all is where Mr Trump stood next to Russian President Vladimir Putin during his first term in office and infamously said he would believe him over the word of US spy agencies.

US may be deserting the West

The Finns know from their history a belligerent Russia cannot be trusted.

In Europe, the US is not just withdrawing under Donald Trump, who says the US cannot prioritise the continent’s security any longer. It looks like it may be changing sides deserting the West entirely: Cutting off aid and intelligence to Ukraine while it is pummelled by Russian rockets and drones; branding Ukraine’s leader – and not the tyrant of Moscow – a dictator; attacking close allies with tariffs; resetting relations with Russia while it continues to invade a part of Europe.

Trump 50: Greenland

‘Trump is ridiculous’, Greenlanders say

And threatening to take over its neighbours. Our journey ended in Greenland, top of the list of Mr Trump’s planned acquisitions.

Most people we spoke to were genuinely worried by him.

Nuuk, the capital of Greenland
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Nuuk, the capital of Greenland

Nuuk, the capital of Greenland

Students Aviana and Julie told us Mr Trump’s antics were alarming.

“That’s very scary actually – it seems he’s more with Russia than Ukraine. I’m really scared.”

Students Aviana and Julie said they were scared by Trump's actions
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Students Aviana and Julie said they were scared by Trump’s actions

Another passerby said Mr Trump had no right to make a play for their homeland. They said: “I think it’s ridiculous that he thinks he can just take our land. We don’t have the resources to fight against the USA.”

Jurgen Boassen has become a well-known figure for having opposing views – he is outspokenly pro-Trump.

Jurgen Boassen, who is pro-Trump and is paid by MAGA groups to promote 'cultural ties' between Greenland and the US
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Jurgen Boassen, who is pro-Trump and is paid by MAGA groups to promote ‘cultural ties’ between Greenland and the US

“I think he is a great man who wants to have peace in the world,” he told us.

‘Europe is failing’

He admits he is paid by MAGA groups in America to promote “cultural ties” and believes Greenland will gradually come around to the idea of becoming closer to America.

Ice caps in Greenland
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Ice caps in Greenland

“I don’t care because they will realise I’m doing the good thing for Greenland. Europe is failing, Britain, Sweden, Belgium, Holland even Germany,” he said.

Wherever we travelled people seemed in shock. America used to believe helping others was good for America – keeping the peace in Europe, saving lives, or protecting the sovereignty of neighbours.

Read more:
Why does Trump want Greenland?
85% of Greenlanders oppose joining US, poll finds

The fear is under President Trump it is just out for itself. The idea Mr Trump could carve up the world into spheres of influence with other authoritarian leaders seems plausible. If that is the case, lesser nations like Greenland may have plenty to fear.

From what we were told on our journey, Donald Trump’s America First foreign policy risks the lives of millions, the security and sovereignty of allies, and America’s own place in the world while potentially strengthening its enemies.

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Former Bank of England governor Mark Carney named prime minister of Canada – succeeding Justin Trudeau

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Former Bank of England governor Mark Carney named prime minister of Canada - succeeding Justin Trudeau

Former Bank of England governor Mark Carney has been named Canadian prime minister after winning the Liberal Party leadership race in a landslide victory.

Mr Carney, who also used to be the head of Canada’s central bank, emerged as the frontrunner in the contest as the country deals with the impact of tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.

He ended up winning 85.9% of the vote.

During his victory speech, he told the crowd: “Donald Trump, as we know, has put unjustified tariffs on what we build, on what we sell and how we make a living.

“He’s attacking Canadian families, workers and businesses and we cannot let him succeed and we won’t.”

Mr Carney said Canada would keep retaliatory tariffs in place until “the Americans show us respect”.

Mr Trump’s tariffs against Canada and his talk of making the country America’s 51st state have infuriated Canadians.

More on Canada

The American national anthem has been repeatedly booed at NHL and NBA games.

“Think about it. If they succeeded, they would destroy our way of life… America is a melting pot. Canada is a mosaic,” Mr Carney added.

“America is not Canada. Canada will never ever be part of America in any way, shape or form.”

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‘You can’t take our country or our game’

The 59-year-old will replace Justin Trudeau, who has served as prime minister since 2015.

Mr Trudeau announced he was stepping down in January after facing calls to quit from a chorus of his own MPs.

The 53-year-old’s popularity had declined as food and house prices rose.

Mr Carney will now have to decide when to call a general election in Canada – which must take place on or before 20 October.

In 2013, he became the first non-UK citizen to run the Bank of England since it was founded in 1694.

His appointment was popular in Britain after Canada recovered from the 2008 financial crisis faster than many other countries.

Read more:
Trudeau steps down with his popularity in shreds
Canadian PM criticises Trump over tariffs

During leadership debates, Mr Carney argued he was the only person prepared to handle Trump.

“I know how to manage crises,” he said.

“In a situation like this, you need experience in terms of crisis management, you need negotiating skills.”

The surge in Canadian nationalism has bolstered the Liberal Party’s chances in a parliamentary election.

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Donald Trump says Ukraine ‘may not survive’ war against Russia even if US support continues

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Donald Trump says Ukraine 'may not survive' war against Russia even if US support continues

US President Donald Trump has suggested Ukraine “may not survive” the war against Russia even if American support continued.

In an interview with Fox News channel’s ‘Sunday Morning Futures’, Mr Trump was asked about his controversial decision to pause support for Kyiv as it fends off Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Mr Trump, who had a disastrous meeting with Mr Zelenskyy at the White House last week, was asked about a warning from Polish President Andrzej Duda “that without American support, Ukraine will not survive”.

Asked if he was “comfortable” with that outcome, the US president said: “Well, it may not survive anyway.

“But we have some weaknesses with Russia. You know, it takes two,” Mr Trump added.

Pic: Reuters
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Donald Trump. File Pic: Reuters

Follow the latest updates on Donald Trump

It comes as Mr Zelenskyy will visit Saudi Arabia for a Monday meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while Ukrainian diplomatic and military representatives will meet with a US delegation on Tuesday.

More on Donald Trump

Mr Trump’s latest remarks come amid global concern over the souring relationship between Ukraine and the US, which alongside the EU has been Kyiv’s main backer in its defence against Russia’s three-year land, air and sea invasion.

The US paused military aid and the sharing of intelligence with Ukraine this month after a meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Zelenskyy on 28 February descended into acrimony in front of the world’s media.

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Mr Trump ordered the pause as he attempts to put pressure on Mr Zelenskyy to negotiate a ceasefire deal with Russia.

Mr Trump has privately made it clear to aides that a signed minerals deal between Washington and Kyiv will not be enough to restart aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, Sky News’ US partner network NBC reported earlier on Sunday.

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How are Americans feeling after nearly 50 days of Trump?

Read more:
Rating Donald Trump’s second term so far

‘Trump bump’ turns to a Trump slump

The 78-year-old president is said to want the deal signed, but also wants to see a change in Mr Zelenskyy’s attitude towards peace talks.

Officials have told NBC News that Mr Trump also wants Mr Zelenskyy to make some movement towards holding elections in Ukraine and possibly stepping down as his country’s leader.

Mr Zelenskyy said in a recent interview he would be ready to step down as Ukraine’s president if it meant his country would become a NATO member and find peace.

That came after he was branded a “dictator” by Mr Trump as Ukraine had not held fresh elections – despite laws prohibiting it during wartime.

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