Ukraine's Air Force leadership reshuffled after F‑16 loss

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Mykola Oleschuk from the position of commander of the Ukrainian Air Force. "I have decided to replace the commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Zelensky wrote on Telegram.

"I have decided to replace the commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I am extremely grateful to all our military pilots, engineers, soldiers of mobile shooting groups, and air defence units. All those who truly fight for Ukraine—for the result. We need to do the same at the command level: we need to become stronger. We need to take care of people, take care of the personnel, take care of all our soldiers," Zelensky wrote in a statement on Telegram.

"The relevant decree No. 600/2024 has been published on the website of the Head of State," confirmed the Ukrinform agency. The document did not provide reasons for the dismissal. 

The president's decision was likely influenced by Thursday's reports. The General Staff of Ukraine announced the loss of the first F-16 fighter jet supplied to Ukraine by the West. One of the two F-16s that were operating in a pair crashed after losing contact with the other aircraft, and its pilot died. Both aircraft were involved in repelling Monday's missile attack by Russia.

Oleschuk assured that the causes of the crash would be thoroughly investigated and not hidden from the public.

"The entire top leadership of the state immediately received a report on the crash. We also received a preliminary report from our American partners, who have already joined the investigation," wrote the outgoing commander of the Air Force on social media.

Oleschuk was appointed air force commander on August 9, 2021, replacing Serhiy Drozdov. On the same day, he was introduced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a visit to Snake Island.

Source: Ukrinform, Telegram