Ukraine can deploy Dutch F-16s on Russian territory, Dutch chief of defence Onno Eichelsheim has told broadcaster NOS, a position later reiterated by defence minister Ruben Brekelmans.

“No restrictions have been put on the use and reach of the fighter planes as long as the law of war is not violated,” Eichelsheim, who is currently meeting with American defence staff collegues, told the broadcaster.

The Netherlands will ultimately supply 24 F-16s to Ukraine and the first were due to arrive in the autumn. Eichelsheim declined to say if any are currently in operation.

Eichelsheim said the Ukrainian attack on Russian soil was a “brilliant practical move”. “They have used new techniques to quickly and efficiently take over a large area. That has created a dilemma for Putin,” he said.

According to the Ukrainian authorities the attack on Kursk on August 6 has resulted in the occupation of over 100 settlements in the border region. Earlier attacks incapacitated airports and other infrastructure.

Some 594 Russian soldiers have also been taken prisoner, news site Politico said.

Eichelsheim said he would have no problem if Dutch weaponry were used in the offensives and said the American defence official “partly agreed”.

“They have other restrictions in place to do with the different weapons systems they have made available. But we are agreed on making sure Ukraine wins this war. We must do what we can to make sure that happens,” he told NOS.

Eichelsheim said the next move for Ukraine is to use its presence in Kursk strategically. “It could be used as a bargaining chip in negotiations,” he said, “or to make Russian troops leave the Donbas regions. The latter is not likely but we shall see what the strategic impact is. But it marks the start of a possible strategic regrouping in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.”

The previous government had also said Ukraine could use the military equipment it supplied on Russian territory, as long as the rules of war were not violated.