Serbia Signs $3 Billion Deal to Buy 12 French Fighter Jets

Zelenskyy Fires Ukrainian Air Force Chief Following Fatal F-16 Crash

August 30, 2024 TruthUSA

The Ukrainian Air Force experienced a setback on Aug. 26, losing an F-16 fighter jet along with a Western-trained pilot.

Following a fatal crash involving one of Ukraine’s few F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy removed a high-ranking Ukrainian Air Force official.

Zelenskyy issued a presidential decree on Aug. 30, announcing the dismissal of Lt. Gen. Mykola Mykolayovych Oleschuk from his role as the commander of Ukraine’s Air Force.

Subsequently, the Ukrainian Air Force named Lt. Gen. Kryvonozhka Anatoly Mykolayovich, commander of the Ukrainian Air Force’s Air Command Center, to temporarily assume Oleschuk’s duties.

Zelenskyy’s decree did not specify the reasons behind Oleschuk’s removal.

During a press briefing, the Ukrainian president acknowledged the dismissal and expressed gratitude to the military pilots and other personnel who are dedicated to defending Ukraine. He emphasized the need to enhance Ukraine’s military leadership and prioritize the well-being of its military members.

The Ukrainian Air Force was contacted by The Epoch Times for additional comments regarding the leadership changes but did not respond at the time of reporting.

Rumors Circulate About F-16 Crash

Despite not providing a direct explanation for Oleschuk’s dismissal, Zelenskyy’s decision came after the Ukrainian military confirmed the crash of one of their F-16s on Aug. 26, resulting in the death of pilot Oleksiy Mes. Mes was reportedly on a mission to intercept Russian drones and cruise missiles when his plane went down.

The cause of the F-16 crash remains unclear, prompting the Ukrainian military’s General Staff to establish a special commission for investigation. In one of his final statements before being relieved of duty, Oleschuk mentioned that the United States had begun assisting in the crash inquiry.

Ukrainian servicemen carry flags after a ceremony held to mark Ukrainian Air Forces Day at undisclosed area on Aug. 4, 2024. (Photo by Sergei Supinsky/AFP) — Ukrainian servicemen carry flags after a ceremony held to mark Ukrainian Air Forces Day at undisclosed area on Aug. 4, 2024. Photo by Sergei Supinsky/AFP

Oleschuk disputed allegations made by Ukrainian parliament member Maryana Bezhula, who suggested that Mes was shot down by Ukrainian air defense systems in a case of friendly fire.

“Maryana, the day will come when you will apologize to the entire army for your actions, hopefully in court!” Oleschuck stated.

“Once again, you have not only tarnished my reputation and that of the Air Force, but you have also smeared the reputation of the manufacturers of American weapons—the main ally of Ukraine—the USA! You have once again become the main subject of enemy propaganda and are setting records on Russian television! All of Russia is applauding you!” he added.

During a press briefing on Thursday, Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh stated that she could not confirm whether the Ukrainian F-16 crash was caused by friendly fire potentially involving a Western-donated Patriot air defense missile system.

“So, in terms of whether this pilot was killed due to friendly fire, that is not something I can address,” Singh remarked. “That would be a matter for the Ukrainians to address.”

A Setback for Ukraine

Mes, known by the callsign “Moonfish,” was among the few Ukrainian pilots qualified to operate F-16 multirole fighter jets.

Ukrainian officials have urged their Western allies to provide F-16 fighter jets to support their conflict with Russia. Mes appeared in a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) video earlier this year, promoting the training of Ukrainian pilots to fly the U.S.-made fighter jets.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen sit in a F-16 fighter jet at the Skrydstrup Airbase, Denmark, on Aug. 20, 2023. Dutch and Danish leadership have agreed to give Ukraine F-16 fighter jets, which Zelenskyy said would help Ukraine expand its counteroffensive. (Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen sit in a F-16 fighter jet at the Skrydstrup Airbase, Denmark, on Aug. 20, 2023. Dutch and Danish leadership have agreed to give Ukraine F-16 fighter jets, which Zelenskyy said would help Ukraine expand its counteroffensive.Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images

During an Aug. 4 press conference following the arrival of the Western jets, Zelenskyy stressed the need for more combat aircraft and qualified pilots in Ukraine. He has proposed recruiting retired F-16 pilots from other NATO countries to fly for Ukraine, a suggestion that has received support from Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), as reported.

Combined, the NATO members have pledged to donate approximately 80 F-16s to Ukraine.

Singh did not disclose the number of active F-16s in Ukraine during her press conference on Thursday.

Source link