The Netherlands is sending up to 42 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to help aid its war against Russia. The event marked the arrival of the first bodies of the victims of flight MH17, which was shot down over Russian separatist-controlled territory, killing all 298 passengers, including 196 Dutch nationals. Matthew LotzColijn said the tragedy also helped Dutch people contextualize Russia's war on Ukraine. REUTERSBut while the delivery of F-16 jets may seem symbolic, Colijn said it was largely a pragmatic move. The Dutch defense ministry has long been planning on phasing out its aging F-16 fleet, which it has been replacing with F-35s.

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