Zelenskyy Dismisses Air Force Commander After F-16 Crash

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk following the crash of an F-16 fighter jet, which resulted in the death of its pilot during a Russian bombing raid. This marks Ukraine's first reported loss of an F-16, prompting calls for improved military command and personnel protection. A U.S. investigation into the crash is underway, with preliminary reports indicating it was not caused by Russian fire, but possibly by pilot error or mechanical failure. Concurrently, a Russian airstrike in Kharkiv resulted in civilian casualties, intensifying calls for enhanced Western military support to Ukraine. Zelenskyy appointed Lt. Gen. Anatoliy Kryvonozhko as the acting Air Force Commander, emphasizing the need for strong command to protect military personnel. The ongoing conflict has escalated tensions and scrutiny within Ukraine regarding military effectiveness and strategic decisions.