Ukrainian President Acts Swiftly After Fighter Jet Loss
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has removed Ukraine’s air force commander, Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk, just days after an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a Russian missile and drone attack, resulting in the pilot’s death. The decision, announced on the presidential website, came as Ukraine faces escalating air assaults from Russia.
Leadership Changes Amid Tragedy
Zelenskyy briefly mentioned the dismissal in his nightly address, stating the need to protect soldiers and personnel. Lt. Gen. Anatolii Kryvonozhko has been named the acting air force commander, as the Ukrainian Air Force mourns the loss of Colonel Alexei ‘Moonfish’ Mes, who died while saving civilians from Russian missiles.
First Loss of F-16 Sparks Investigation
The downed F-16, one of six recently delivered to Ukraine from Western allies, marks the first reported loss of this fighter jet in the ongoing conflict. The Ukrainian Defence Ministry has launched an investigation into the crash, which occurred during a Russian barrage. The F-16s, crucial to Ukraine’s defense strategy, were requested by Ukrainian pilots, including ‘Moonfish’ and Andrii ‘Juice’ Pilshchykov, during a visit to the US in 2022.
Devastating Strikes in Kharkiv and Belgorod
Meanwhile, a Russian attack in Kharkiv killed five people, including a young girl, and wounded nearly 100 others, using powerful plane-launched bombs. The strikes hit multiple locations, including a 12-story apartment building, prompting rescue efforts amid fears of collapse. Zelenskyy urged Western allies to lift restrictions on Ukrainian military targeting to prevent such attacks.
Ukraine and Russia Exchange Airstrikes
In response to the Kharkiv attack, Ukrainian forces launched airstrikes on Russia’s Belgorod region, killing five and injuring 46, including children. Belgorod’s governor accused Ukraine of using cluster munitions in the assault, escalating tensions further as both nations continue to trade strikes across their shared border.
SOURCE: Ref Image from NY Post
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