Zelenskyy fires Air Force Commander
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk, according to a decree published on Aug. 30.
In his evening address, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to all airmen for their work in repelling constant Russian attacks.
“To all who truly fight for Ukraine — [I thank] for the results,” said Zelenskyy.
“And this is equally necessary at the command level—we need to improve. And protect people. Protect personnel. Protect all our warriors.”
Oleshchuk is yet to comment on his dismissal. He had held the position since August 2021.
Commander of the Center Air Command Lt. Gen. Anatoliy Kryvonozhko was appointed Acting Air Force Commander.
On Aug. 26, Ukraine lost its first F-16 fighter jet—one of just six the country has—during Russia’s massive missile attack.
CNN, citing a source in the Ukrainian military, reported that the Ukrainian pilot who died in the F-16 crash was 30-year-old Lt. Col. Oleksiy Mes, known by his call sign "Moonfish." The Air Force later confirmed the pilot's death. During the fatal sortie, Mes destroyed three enemy cruise missiles and one UAV.
A special commission of Ukraine's Defense Ministry has been established to investigate the cause of the crash. Voice of America, referring to anonymous sources in the Air Force, reported that several versions are being considered, including "friendly fire" by own air defense, technical malfunction, and pilot error.
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