Russia Ukraine war, page-227009

If the planes are placed in Poland or Romania, the perception of ww3 will become reality, according to Putin.

If they supply F-16s, and they are talking about this and are apparently training pilots, this will not change the situation on the battlefield,” Putin said.
“And we will destroy the aircraft just as we destroy today tanks, armored vehicles and other equipment, including multiple rocket launchers.”
Putin said that F-16 could also carry nuclear weapons.
“Of course, if they will be used from airfields in third countries, they become for us legitimate targets, wherever they might be located,” Putin said.

Russia won't attack NATO, but F-16s will be shot down in Ukraine, Putin says (nbcnews.com)