Zelenskyy Dismisses Ukraine’s Air Force Commander Following Deadly F-16 Crash

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has fired the air force commander after a fatal F-16 crash, underscoring the gravity of the incident and its impact on military leadership

Following a Russian bombardment that resulted in the death of an F-16 pilot provided by Ukraine’s Western allies, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed the commander of their air force.

On Friday, the presidential website published an order announcing the dismissal of Mykola Oleshchuk.

Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of safeguarding individuals and personnel, including all soldiers. He stated in a speech shortly after the announcement that Ukraine must enhance its army’s commanding ability.

The general staff of the army announced that Anatolii Kryvonozhko was designated as the interim commander for the air force.

On the day when Oleshchuk criticized a lawmaker who serves as deputy head of Ukraine’s defense committee for her assertion that the F-16 was shot down by a Patriot air-defense system, he also received notice of dismissal. It should be noted that an unknown quantity of US-manufactured systems have been acquired by Ukraine.

Demanding punishment for those responsible for the error, Mariana Bezuhla relied on anonymous sources to support her assertion.

Bezuhla was accused by Oleshchuk of smearing the reputation of the air force and tarnishing US arms manufacturers. He expressed his wish to see her suffer legal repercussions for making such allegations.

After the release of the dismissal order, Bezuhla proclaimed on X that victory would ultimately belong to truth.

There was no direct denial by the air force that the F-16 had been hit by a Patriot missile.

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According to the air force, Ukrainian investigators are now working alongside American experts in their inquiry into the crash.

According to a US defense official who provided information to Reuters, Russian involvement does not seem probable as the cause of the crash. At this time, pilot error and mechanical malfunction are among several potential causes being looked into by investigators.

Among the potential weapons that could be deployed to target Russian bases situated beyond the frontline, F-16s are included.

On Telegram, Oleshchuk stated that an in-depth examination is presently underway to determine the cause of the F-16 aircraft crash on Monday during a significant missile and drone attack from Russia against Ukraine.

“We need to comprehend the event, assess the situation and determine who bears accountability,” stated Oleshchuk in his post just prior to being terminated.

European countries are believed to have delivered at least six F-16 warplanes to Ukraine, where they arrived just last month. The crash of one of these planes marks the first reported loss in the country.

Despite Russia’s formidable air force and advanced defense systems, military experts claim that the planes won’t have a significant impact on the war. Nonetheless, Ukrainian authorities were appreciative of having access to supersonic jets equipped with contemporary NATO weaponry since they provide an opportunity for retaliation against Russia’s dominant aerial presence.