The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence on Wednesday honoured some of Belgium’s claims to fame, from gourmet fare to famous personalities, in a video clip thanking the kingdom for its commitment to the F-16 coalition.
The coalition is the group of countries that have agreed to train Ukrainian Air Force pilots on Western fighter jets like the US-made F-16s.
Belgian beer, Belgian chocolate and Belgium's Red Devils feature in the clip, titled 'What we love about Belgium' and set to the sound of Technotronic’s 'Pump up the jam.' Also featuring is actor Jean-Claude Van Damme, the world-famous action film star, who endeared himself to Ukrainians by visiting their country in December 2022.
“The last country to join the F-16 coalition that will give us the wings to win our freedom, this in addition to generous support. Thank you, Belgium,” the clip concludes.
Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder was quick to highlight the short film on Wednesday to justify Belgian aid to war-torn Ukraine in the face of criticism from some MPs that Belgium's support is insufficient.
In May, Belgium joined the F-16 coalition led by the Netherlands and Denmark to help train pilots and mechanics, but several parties want it to go further and give some of its fighter jets to Ukraine.
