Zelensky Replaces Ukraine’s Air Force Chief Over F-16 Crash and Intensified Russian Attacks
Kyiv, Ukraine – President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the commander of Ukraine’s air force, Lt Gen Mykola Oleshchuk, amid intense debate following the loss of one of the country’s newly acquired F-16 fighter jets.
The US-made jet, part of a recent delivery from Western allies, crashed on Monday, killing its pilot, Col Oleksiy Mes. The Ukrainian air force has not attributed the crash to an enemy strike despite a simultaneous Russian missile barrage.
The incident has sparked tensions within the country’s military and political circles, with some suggesting the F-16 may have been downed by friendly fire. Ukrainian MP Mariana Bezuhla claimed on Thursday that the country’s Patriot air defense system was responsible, a claim Lt Gen Oleshchuk countered, stating that an investigation is ongoing.
In a post on Telegram, President Zelensky stated that leadership changes were necessary to “strengthen ourselves and protect our people,” but did not directly link Lt Gen Oleshchuk’s dismissal to the F-16 incident.
Lt Gen Anatolii Kryvonozhko has been appointed interim air force commander. He previously led the central air command and now assumes command during a period of heightened conflict and internal disputes over military strategy.
The F-16’s crash has added to the urgency of the country’s call for increased military support from international partners. President Zelensky reiterated his plea for permission to strike targets inside Russia to prevent further attacks, as Russian forces have intensified their offensive across Ukraine.
The war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, continues to see significant casualties. On Friday, a 14-year-old girl was killed in Kharkiv when a Russian-guided bomb struck a playground. Six others were killed and dozens injured in the northeastern city.
As Ukraine’s military leadership undergoes further shake-ups, the country continues to navigate the complexities of its defense against Russia’s ongoing aggression.
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