Netherlands sends fighters jet to protect NATO airspace

The Netherlands has sent two F-35 fighters to protect NATO airspace over Eastern Europe amid Russia's military operation in Ukraine, the Dutch Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

The Dutch defence ministry wrote on Twitter: "Two F-35 fighters are currently deployed to protect NATO airspace over Eastern Europe.

"The Netherlands expresses allied solidarity and contributes, especially now, to maintain the integrity of the NATO zone.''

On Thursday morning, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a military operation against Ukraine.

In a televised speech, the Russian leader said the self-proclaimed Luhansk and Donetsk republics requested help from Russia to counter Ukraine's military aggression.

The Russian defence ministry said the army did not target Ukrainian cities, so there was no threat to the civilians.