Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Friday (August 30) that he had dismissed the Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force. A few days prior to his decision, a U.S.-provided F-16 fighter jet crashed, resulting in the death of a top Ukrainian pilot.
Zelensky stated in his Friday evening address that he had relieved the Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk of his duties, emphasizing the need to “strengthen” the command level of the air force. However, he did not specify whether his decision to dismiss Oleshchuk was related to the F-16 crash incident that occurred on Monday.
In his evening speech, Zelensky declared, “I have decided to replace the Air Force Commander.” He added, “I am infinitely grateful to all our military pilots, engineers, mobile firepower unit soldiers, and anti-aircraft forces. Thank you to everyone truly fighting for Ukraine. This is also necessary at the command level: we must strengthen. Protect the people. Protect the personnel. Take care of all our soldiers.”
The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces subsequently announced on social media that Anatoliy Kryvonozhka, head of the Air Force Air Command Center, would assume the duties of the Air Force Commander with immediate effect.
On Thursday, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces confirmed that a U.S.-manufactured F-16 fighter jet crashed on Monday in the process of intercepting Russian missile attacks, leading to the death of a pilot.
The Ukrainian military did not specify the cause of the crash, but indicated that the aircraft crashed when nearing Russian targets. Oleshchuk stated on Monday that U.S. partners were assisting in investigating the incident.
A U.S. Department of Defense official informed Reuters that the crash did not appear to be caused by Russian military firing, and pilot error, mechanical failure, among other factors, could have led to the aircraft’s crash. The incident is currently under investigation.
The first batch of F-16 fighter jets arrived in Ukraine at the end of July. For Ukraine, this marks a milestone in its defense against Russian aggression over the past two and a half years. Ukraine has been requesting the U.S. to provide F-16 fighter jets, believing that these advanced U.S.-made fighter jets can help defend Ukrainian airspace.
The F-16 fighter jets, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, are equipped with a 20mm cannon, capable of carrying bombs, rockets, and missiles, with immense destructive power.