Zelensky stated that the F-16s received from Western countries are constantly breaking down and in fact are rarely used.
In a conversation with journalists, Zelensky said:
"On paper, we have all that, but they're constantly undergoing maintenance because the F-16s aren't exactly young."
He also said:
"We need two and a half times more planes in the air at any given time than the number we currently have in service."
He admitted that the age of the planes limits their operational use and said that Ukraine is working with the Americans to address the problem.
The aircraft were provided as an important enhancement to Ukraine's air defense capabilities, but the age of the donated airframes, spare parts requirements and dependence on foreign maintenance facilities limit their availability.
It also raises a broader issue: the operational value of donated fighter jets depends not just on how many are delivered, but how many can be kept combat-ready.