Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, the commander (chief) of Ukraine’s Air Force. He issued a decree to this effect yesterday, Friday.
President Zelensky dismissed the Air Force commander just one day after learning about the destruction of a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet by Russian attack and the death of its pilot. The fighter jet was destroyed last Monday.
Kyiv had received F-16 fighter jets from Western allies after long negotiations to fight against Russia in the war.
Regarding this, Zelensky said,
‘I have decided to make a change in the position of Air Force commander. I am grateful to all our country’s pilots.’
Zelensky did not give any reason for removing the Air Force commander. However, he said,
“Staff must ensure security. In addition, there was a need to strengthen the command level.”
Ukraine’s General Staff announced,
“Lieutenant General Anatoly Kravonozaka will temporarily serve as the Air Force commander.”
Ukraine’s military did not provide any reason for the destruction of the F-16 fighter jet. However, it was stated that the enemy’s missile strike was not the main cause of the fighter jet’s crash. During Russia’s biggest aerial attack on Monday, the jet’s pilot destroyed three missiles and a drone.
A shipment of F-16 fighter jets arrived in Ukraine earlier this month. The destroyed aircraft was one from that shipment.
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