Zelensky Removes Air Force Commander After Tragic F-16 Crash
In a significant move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk on Friday. This decision came shortly after the Ukrainian Air Force announced the death of one of their top pilots, who tragically crashed in a US-made F-16 fighter jet.
Strengthening the Command Structure
President Zelensky cited the need to “strengthen” the leadership of the Air Force. However, he did not explicitly link Oleshchuk’s removal to the recent F-16 crash. In his nightly address, Zelensky expressed profound gratitude to all military personnel defending Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of enhancing command decisions to protect the lives of soldiers and ensuring their well-being.
New Leadership in the Air Force
Following Oleshchuk’s dismissal, Lieutenant General Anatoliy Kryvonozhka was appointed as the acting Air Force commander. This leadership change comes at a time when Ukraine’s air defenses are under intense pressure from continuous Russian aerial assaults.
The Loss of a Heroic F-16 Pilot
The crash that prompted this leadership shift involved Oleksiy Mes, a renowned F-16 pilot known by his call sign “Moonfish.” Mes was killed while defending Ukraine against what has been described as the largest aerial attack by Russia to date. His death was particularly devastating, as the F-16s had only recently arrived in Ukraine, and Mes was one of the few pilots trained to operate them. According to Ukrainian Defense Forces, the crash was not believed to be due to pilot error.
Renewed Plea for Western Support
In light of recent attacks, Zelensky once again urged Western countries to enhance their military support for Ukraine. He stressed that with better defense capabilities, such as the ability to destroy Russian aircraft before they strike, tragedies like the one in Kharkiv could be prevented.
Tragic Attack in Kharkiv
On Friday, a deadly strike in Kharkiv claimed the lives of a child and several others. The attack left a playground in mourning and caused further devastation in a residential building. Ukrainian authorities reported at least five deaths and 28 injuries. The strike included a gliding bomb that struck the city center, exacerbating the destruction.
Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine’s need for long-range defense capabilities is critical and justified, and urged Western partners to make decisive moves to help stop the ongoing terror.