US To Begin Training Ukrainian Pilots

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says he hopes that training for Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets will begin in the coming weeks, The Associated Press reported.

Austin spoke as defence leaders from around the world assembled for a virtual meeting to discuss the continuing military support for Ukraine and how and where the pilot training will be done.

“We’re going to have to dig deeper, and we’re going to have to continue to look for creative ways to boost our industrial capability,” Austin said before the military leaders began their closed session.

“The stakes are high. But the cause is just and our will is strong.”

“We hope this training will begin in the coming weeks,” Austin said.

The defence officials will also get an update from Ukrainian leaders, including on their anticipated counteroffensive.

Aljazeera/Shakirat Sadiq