U.S. Assesses Ukrainian Jet-Fighter Pilots Ahead of Potential Training Effort

Move to evaluate the two pilots doesn't represent a change in the prospect of providing F-16s to Ukraine, officials say.

U.S. Assesses Ukrainian Jet-Fighter Pilots Ahead of Potential Training Effort

WASHINGTON—Two Ukrainian pilots are being assessed in the U.S. on how they operate jet fighters to prepare for a potential broader training effort, defense officials said.

Ukraine has repeatedly asked Western allies

to provide jet fighters

, including American F-16s, to help it repel Russian forces which

invaded a year ago

. The U.S. has repeatedly played down that prospect and officials said the assessment of the two pilots wasn't a sign of any change in strategic priorities. But Ukraine is vying to be a future customer for F-16s and the evaluation could potentially lay the groundwork for further training.