Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky fired Ukraine’s air force chief, Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk, amid controversy over the destruction of one of the country’s valuable new F-16 fighter jets.
Zelensky did not give a reason for his dismissal, but said in a post on Telegram that it was his responsibility to “take care of all our fighters.”
On Monday, a U.S.-made F-16 fighter jet delivered from Ukraine’s Western allies earlier this month crashed amid a barrage of Russian missiles, killing the pilot.
Ukraine said the crash was not a direct result of an enemy attack, and Lieutenant General Oleshchuk has argued with some politicians over who was responsible for the loss.
Zelensky posted on Telegram that he had decided to replace Lieutenant General Oreshuk and pointed out that “at the command level, we must strengthen our own strength and protect our people.”
“I am very grateful to all our military pilots, all our engineers, all our mobile fire brigade fighters and all our air defense personnel,” Zelensky said.
“For everyone who is really fighting for Ukraine, fighting for results. It’s also necessary at the command level, we have to strengthen ourselves and protect our people. Protect people, protect all of our warriors.”
The Ukrainian Air Force earlier named the pilot who died as Colonel Oleksiy Mays.
“He heroically fought his last battle in the air,” the statement said, adding that he shot down three cruise missiles and a drone on August 26.
Metz, whose call sign is Moonfish, is one of Ukraine’s most experienced pilots. He trained abroad for F-16 missions.
Lieutenant General Anatoly Krevonozhko has been appointed interim commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, the Army General Staff said in a statement. The officer previously oversaw Central Air Command, leading operations in the central region of the country.
He took office as officials clashed over the crash of an F-16 plane, which sparked fierce debate in Ukraine.
Politician Mariana Bezura, a member of the Ukrainian parliament’s defense committee, claimed on Thursday that the plane was shot down by a Ukrainian Patriot air defense system.
Oreshchuk responded earlier Friday that the investigation was ongoing and that nothing was being hidden. He accused Ms Bezzura of denigrating the military leadership and said it was time to apologize.
After announcing his sacking, Ms Bezuela posted on social media that the truth would prevail.
NATO countries have committed to buying about 65 F-16s since U.S. President Joe Biden first authorized willing European allies to send about 65 F-16s to Ukraine in August 2023.
Zelensky has fired multiple military commanders since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022.
In February this year, he relieved of his duties as Commander-in-Chief Commander of the National Armed Forces Valerii Zaluzhnyi.
And in June, He dismissed Lieutenant General Yuri Sodor It comes after public criticism of the top general for excessive casualties and accusations of incompetence.
When Lieutenant General Oreshchuk took office, Ukraine continued to invade the Kursk region in western Russia. The surprise attack on August 6th.
Gen. Alexander Silsky, commander of Ukraine’s armed forces, said on Friday that his troops had advanced 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) further toward Kursk in the past day.
Also on Friday, a Ukrainian delegation met with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in Washington.
Chief of Staff of the President of Ukraine Andrei Yermak and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov talked about the situation on the battlefield, the need for weapons and equipment and recent attacks on energy systems.
Ukrainians say the country needs to strengthen its air defenses to protect its people and critical infrastructure.
