[Video transcript]

The long wait is almost over. After months of intense training and preparations, F-16 fighter jets are about to touch down in Ukraine.
And they can't come soon enough for Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy. He says the planes are a game changer and they'll give Kyiv the chance to break Russia's dominance of Ukraine's airspace.

But keeping the jets safe will now be a priority — and speculation is rife over where they will be stationed.

Ukraine has not confirmed where they are going to park the aircraft, but many experts say one air force base in western Ukraine is an ideal candidate. 

The Starokostiantyniv base is located roughly halfway between Kyiv and Lviv. It's home to Ukraine's 7th Tactical Aviation Brigade — and with its Soviet-era underground shelters, it's a logical option. 

But in the town of Starokostiantyniv just across the river, people are concerned. Many locals say they appreciate all the support Ukraine gets from abroad — but they increasingly fear being caught in Moscow's crosshairs.

Olena Shpachenko, guide and interim director of the museum: "Concentrating such high-powered weapons in one place means that the enemy will seek to destroy these weapons. So for us, as residents of the town, this is a high risk factor. We are very worried."

Starokostiantyniv has often felt Russia's wrath in this conflict. 

In August 2023, Ukrainian authorities say Moscow bombed a corn storage facility in the region. 

And as recently as mid-July, Kyiv says it shot down five Russian cruise missiles and eleven drones targeting Starokostiantyniv.

Air defence forces in the region say that Russia has been stepping up its attacks over the past month — trying to find weaknesses and experimenting with new techniques. 

Anatoliy, commander of mobile anti-aircraft brigade: "At the moment, they are increasing the power of the explosive charge on their drones. They are modernizing their cruise missiles with fragmentation munitions that damage light armored vehicles."

Not everyone believes the F-16s will be able to turn the tide in this war. But at least they will also give Ukraine a chance to try something new.