American Pilots

Ukraine has secretly formed an F-16 squadron in recent weeks, reportedly comprising Ukrainian, U.S., and Dutch pilots, Intelligence Online reported on Feb. 16.

As Russia ramps up its assault on Ukrainian cities and frontline positions, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General David A. Deptula says it’s time to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons. Deptula, one of the key architects of modern airpower strategy, made the case in an exclusive interview with Ukrainian-American writer and U.S. Air Force veteran Elisa Carlisle for The New Voice of Ukraine. He calls for a fundamental shift in U.S. policy, warning that current limits give Moscow an undeserved sanctuary. Deptula explains why air superiority is decisive, dismisses nuclear blackmail fears, and urges the West to start deterring Russia—not itself.