Getty PicturesPresident Volodymyr Zelensky has fired the commander of Ukraine’s air power after the destruction of one among Ukraine’s precious new F-16 fighter jets sparked controversy.
Zelensky didn’t specify the explanations for firing Lt. Gen. Mykola Oreshchuk however stated it was his responsibility to “handle all our fighters.”
The U.S.-made F-16, one among a number of delivered to Ukraine’s western allies earlier this month, crashed on Monday, killing the pilot.
Though the accident occurred throughout a Russian missile assault, Ukraine stated the reason for the crash was not a direct results of an enemy assault, and Lt. Gen. Oleshchuk has argued with some politicians over who was chargeable for the loss.
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and seized massive tracts of territory within the jap a part of the nation.
However Ukraine additionally launched a sudden invasion of Russia’s western Kursk area earlier this month and stated its troops had been advancing deeper into Russia.
In response, Russia stepped up its assaults on Ukraine.
A Russian guided bomb struck a playground within the northeastern Ukrainian metropolis of Kharkiv on Friday, killing a 14-year-old woman, native officers stated.
A 12-story residential constructing within the metropolis close to the Russian border was additionally hit, killing not less than six individuals and injuring 59 others.
President Zelensky as soon as once more referred to as on all of Ukraine’s worldwide companions to permit it to assault targets in Russia to forestall such assaults.
His workplace stated Moscow’s navy has launched greater than 400 drones and missiles into Ukraine over the previous week.
Zelensky posted on Telegram that he had determined to interchange Lieutenant Normal Oreshuk and identified that “on the command degree, we should strengthen our personal energy and defend our individuals.”
The Ukrainian Air Drive earlier named the pilot who died 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.
Colonel Metz, whose name signal was Moonfish, was one among Ukraine’s most skilled pilots. He skilled overseas for F-16 missions.
Lieutenant Normal Anatoly Krevonozhko has been appointed interim commander of the Ukrainian Air Drive, the Military Normal Workers stated in an announcement. He 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 airplane, which sparked fierce debate in Ukraine.
Politician Mariana Bezura, a member of the Ukrainian parliament’s protection committee, claimed on Thursday that the airplane was shot down by a Ukrainian Patriot air protection system.
Mr Oreshchuk responded earlier on Friday that the investigation was ongoing and that nothing was being hidden. He accused Ms Bezzura of denigrating the navy management and stated it was time to apologize.
NATO international locations 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 yr, he relieved of his duties as Commander-in-Chief Commander of the Nationwide Armed Forces Valerii Zaluzhnyi.
And in June, He dismissed Lieutenant Normal Yuri Sodor after public criticism of extreme casualties and accusations of incompetence.
