F-16 crash prompts dismissal of Ukrainian Air Force chief
On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Mikola Olesciuk, the commander of the Air Forces, according to a presidential decree, as reported by Reuters.
This decision came just one day after the Ukrainian military reported that an F-16 aircraft had crashed, resulting in the death of its pilot while countering a major Russian assault.
The Kyiv leader did not provide a reason for the dismissal but emphasised the need to ensure the protection of military personnel and to reinforce the command structure.
The General Staff of Ukraine announced that Lieutenant General Anatoly Krivonozhka will temporarily assume the role of commander.
The Ukrainian military has not clarified the cause of the F-16 crash. On Monday, Olesciuk stated that U.S. partners are assisting with the investigation into the incident. An American defence official informed Reuters that the accident does not appear to have been caused by a Russian attack and that other potential causes, ranging from pilot error to mechanical failure, are still under investigation.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
