Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed the commander of the country’s air force, Mykola Oleshchuk, in response to the crash of an F-16 warplane during a Russian bombardment that killed the pilot. Zelenskyy emphasized the need to protect personnel and strengthen the army at the command level. Anatolii Kryvonozhko has been appointed as the acting air force commander.
The dismissal came after Oleshchuk criticized a lawmaker for suggesting that the F-16 was downed by a Patriot air-defense system, which led to accusations of defamation and discrediting of US arms manufacturers. The air force did not directly deny this claim, and US experts are participating in the investigation into the crash.
Oleshchuk, in a post on Telegram, mentioned that a detailed analysis of the crash was underway to determine the circumstances and responsibility.
The crash was the first reported loss of an F-16 in Ukraine, where several of these warplanes have recently been delivered. While military analysts noted that the F-16s may not significantly impact the war due to Russia’s air superiority, Ukrainian officials welcomed the addition of these modern jets for their potential to counter Russian air capabilities.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with possible causes ranging from pilot error to mechanical failure. Zelenskyy’s decision to dismiss Oleshchuk reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of military personnel during the ongoing conflict with Russia.
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