Zelensky Says Ukraine Has Received First F-16 Jets

Kyiv hopes the US-made fighter jet will enable it to better protect itself (Credit: AFP)

Ukraine has received its first batch of US-made F-16 fighter jets, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday, adding that more are needed to beat back Russian forces.

For more than two years, Ukraine has pleaded with its Western partners for the aircraft -- long considered the crown jewel in the sprawling list of military hardware Kyiv has sought.