Ukrainian pilots

Greece will train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, Zelensky says

From CNN’s Mariya Knight

Greece will train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a joint news conference with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens Monday. 

Zelensky said that in addition to the training, Kyiv is grateful for a new defense package for Ukraine pledged by Athens.

Zelensky also said “Greek companies are ready to take part in the transporting of Ukrainian grain,” and his country is counting on it as restoration work on the port of Odesa is under way. 

Mitsotakis emphasized that Greece will help reconstruct Ukraine with a focus on the city of Odesa. 

Zelensky also noted that Greece, a NATO member, has joined the G7 countries on security guarantees for Ukraine and signed a declaration to support Ukrainian Euro-Atlantic integration. 

Ukraine's appreciation for F-16s: Earlier, Zelensky used an address to Denmark's Parliament to thank the country for its support, including a pledge to provide Kyiv with F-16 fighter jets. The Netherlands is also sending the aircraft. The Russian ambassador to Denmark has described the proposed transfer of F-16s as an "escalation" in the conflict.