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.
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.