The Netherlands and Denmark have decided to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets to help the country defend its airspace against Russian forces.

Ukraine's presidential office said on Sunday that the country's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had met Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in the Netherlands. It said the president had thanked the Netherlands for its decision.

Zelenskyy spoke to reporters after the meeting, calling the decision "absolutely historic, powerful and inspiring for" Ukraine. He added that it "is another step towards strengthening Ukraine's air shield."

Zelenskyy wrote in his social media post on Sunday that he and Rutte had agreed that Ukraine would receive 42 F-16s. But the Netherlands has not disclosed the number.

Zelenskyy also traveled to Denmark and met Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. He later wrote in another social media post that Denmark pledged 19 F-16s to Ukraine.

Danish defense minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen says in a statement that it makes him proud that Denmark, together with the Netherlands, will donate F-16s to Ukraine's fight for freedom against Russia and its senseless aggression. He adds that Denmark's support for Ukraine is unwavering.

A US State Department spokesperson revealed on Thursday that Washington had officially approved F-16 transfers from the Netherlands and Denmark to Kyiv once Ukrainian pilots complete training to fly the US-made planes. The Netherlands and Denmark have been leading a coalition for the training.

Analysts say Zelenskyy sought to expedite the F-16 supply by visiting the two European countries.