Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky fired Ukraine’s air drive chief, Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk, amid controversy over the destruction of one of many nation’s beneficial new F-16 fighter jets.
Zelensky didn’t give a purpose for his dismissal, however stated in a submit on Telegram that it was his duty to “care for 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 stated the crash was not a direct results of an enemy assault, and Lieutenant Common Oleshchuk has argued with some politicians over who was liable for the loss.
Zelensky posted on Telegram that he had determined to switch Lieutenant Common Oreshuk and identified that “on the command degree, we should strengthen our personal energy and defend our folks.”
“I’m very grateful to all our navy pilots, all our engineers, all our cellular fireplace group fighters and all our air protection personnel,” Zelensky stated.
“For everybody who is actually combating for Ukraine, combating for outcomes. It is also crucial on the command degree, we now have to strengthen ourselves and defend our folks. Shield folks, defend all of our warriors.”
The Ukrainian Air Drive earlier named the killed pilot as Colonel Oleksiy Mays.
“He heroically fought his final battle within the air,” the assertion stated, including that he shot down three cruise missiles and a drone on August 26.
Metz, whose name signal is Moonfish, is one in all Ukraine’s most skilled pilots. He skilled overseas for F-16 missions.
Lieutenant Common Anatoly Krevonozhko has been appointed interim commander of the Ukrainian Air Drive, the Military Common Workers stated in a press release. The officer beforehand oversaw Central Air Command, main operations within the central area of the nation.
He took workplace as officers clashed over the crash of an F-16 aircraft, which sparked fierce debate in Ukraine.
Politician Mariana Bezura, a member of the Ukrainian parliament’s protection committee, claimed on Thursday that the aircraft was shot down by a Ukrainian Patriot air protection system.
Oreshchuk responded earlier Friday that the investigation was ongoing and that nothing was being hidden. He accused Ms Bezzula of denigrating the navy management and stated it was time to apologize.
After saying his sacking, Ms Bezuela posted on social media that the reality would prevail.
NATO nations have dedicated to purchasing about 65 F-16s since U.S. President Joe Biden first approved prepared European allies to ship about 65 F-16s to Ukraine in August 2023.
Zelensky has fired a number of navy commanders since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022.
In February this 12 months, he relieved of his duties as Commander-in-Chief Commander of the Nationwide Armed Forces Valerii Zaluzhnyi.
And in June, He dismissed Lieutenant General Yuri Sodor It comes after public criticism of the highest basic for extreme casualties and accusations of incompetence.
When Lieutenant Common Oreshchuk took workplace, Ukraine continued to invade the Kursk area in western Russia. The surprise attack on August 6th.
Gen. Alexander Silsky, commander of Ukraine’s armed forces, stated on Friday that his troops had superior 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) additional towards Kursk previously day.
Additionally on Friday, a Ukrainian delegation met with U.S. Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin in Washington.
Chief of Workers of the President of Ukraine Andrei Yermak and Protection Minister Rustem Umerov talked in regards to the state of affairs on the battlefield, the necessity for weapons and gear and up to date assaults on power methods.
Ukrainians say the nation must strengthen its air defenses to guard its folks and important infrastructure.
