President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has made a bold move by sacking the commander of the country’s air force, Lt Gen Mykola Oleshchuk, following the destruction of a valuable new F-16 fighter jet. The incident occurred during a barrage of Russian missiles, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot.
While the cause of the crash was not a direct result of an enemy strike, the loss of the F-16 fighter jet sparked a heated debate over who was to blame. Lt Gen Oleshchuk found himself at odds with some politicians, leading to his dismissal by President Zelensky.
In a post to Telegram, President Zelensky emphasized the importance of taking care of all warriors and strengthening the command level to protect the people of Ukraine. He expressed gratitude to the military personnel who are truly fighting for the country and announced the appointment of Lt Gen Anatolii Kryvonozhko as the interim commander of Ukraine’s air force.
The killed pilot, Col Oleksiy Mes, was hailed as a hero for his actions in the skies, where he shot down three cruise missiles and a drone. Known as Moonfish, Col Mes was one of Ukraine’s most experienced pilots trained abroad for F-16 missions.
The dismissal of Lt Gen Oleshchuk comes as Ukraine continues its incursion into Russia’s western Kursk region, with Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi reporting further advancements by Ukrainian troops. Additionally, a Ukrainian delegation met with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin in Washington to discuss the situation on the battlefield and the need for weapons and equipment to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense.
President Zelensky’s decision to replace Lt Gen Oleshchuk underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine in defending its sovereignty against Russian aggression. The country’s commitment to protecting its people and critical infrastructure remains a top priority as the conflict continues to unfold.
