Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky fired the commander of the war-torn country’s air force on Friday after an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a massive Russian bombardment on Monday.
Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk was ordered to be dismissed from his post, according to the presidential website. Lieutenant General Anatolii Kryvonozhko will serve as acting air force commander, the army’s general staff said.
“We need to protect people. Protect personnel. Take care of all our soldiers,” Zelensky said in an address minutes after the order to dismiss Oleshchuk was published, adding that Ukraine needs to strengthen its army on the command level.
On Monday, an F-16 crashed and killed pilot Oleksii Mes, known by the call sign “Moonfish,” as Russia carried out a major missile and drone attack on the war-torn country.
The F-16 crash is the first reported loss of one of the U.S.-made fighter jets after Ukraine received several F-16s late last month. At least six F-16s are believed to have been delivered to the war-torn country from its allies.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky gestures during a joint press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, on August 27, 2024. On Friday, Zelensky dismissed Ukraine’s air force commander.
Photo by SERGEI CHUZAVKOV/AFP via Getty Images
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
