After F-16 Crash… Ukrainian President Dismisses Air Force Commander

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Friday the dismissal of Air Force Commander Mykola Oleschuk, following the announcement of the crash of an American-made F-16 fighter jet previously delivered to Kyiv, according to Agence France-Presse.

Zelensky wrote on Telegram:
“I have decided to replace the Air Force Commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” following the publication of a decree on the presidential website.

Zelensky said in an evening statement, “I have decided to appoint a new Air Force Commander… I am forever grateful to all our military pilots.” He did not specify the reason for the dismissal but mentioned the need to protect personnel and the necessity of supporting leadership.

The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Lieutenant General Anatoly Krivonos will temporarily assume the role.

The Ukrainian military announced on Thursday that the aircraft crashed and its pilot was killed while approaching a target during a major Russian aerial attack.

An American defense official told Reuters that the crash did not appear to result from Russian fire and that possible causes are being considered, including pilot error or mechanical failure.

The arrival of the first F-16 aircraft marked an important milestone for Ukraine in its fight against the comprehensive invasion launched by Russia two and a half years ago.

Editorial Board.