Official announcements from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense or Western allies

Zelensky Fires Air Force Commander After F-16 Crash, Pilot's Death

Aug 30, 2024, 05:09 PM

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the commander of the country's Air Force, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, following a crash involving a Western-donated F-16 fighter jet, reportedly due to friendly fire. The incident resulted in the death of a top pilot, Oleksiy “Moonfish” Mes. The dismissal was formalized through a presidential decree, which has been published on the website of the Ukrainian President's Office.