Denmark and the Netherlands announced yesterday, Sunday, that they will supply Ukraine with F-16s, the first six of which are expected to be delivered early next year.

Russia today condemned the decision of the two countries underlining that this move will escalate the conflict.

See related: The Netherlands and Denmark give Ukraine dozens of F-16s – Zelenskiy and Rutte’s selfie with the fighter in the background – Video

“The fact that Denmark has now decided to donate 19 F-16 aircraft to Ukraine leads to an escalation of the conflict,” Russian ambassador to Denmark Vladimir Barbin said in a statement, cited by the Ritzau news agency.

“By hiding behind the assumption that Ukraine should determine the terms for peace itself, Denmark seeks by its actions and actions to leave Ukraine no choice but to continue the military confrontation with Russia “, he adds.

However, Danish Defense Minister Jakob Elleman-Jensen said Ukraine would only be able to use the F-16s provided to it within its territory.

“We provide weapons on the condition that they will be used to drive the enemy out of the territory of Ukraine. And for nothing beyond that,” noted the Danish Defense Minister today.

Denmark will deliver a total of 19 fighter jets. The Netherlands has a total of 42 F-16s, but it has not been decided whether all will be sent to Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the deal “historic” and said yesterday that the fighter jets would strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses and help Ukraine counterattack against Russian forces.