![ukraine s president volodymyr zelenskiy holds a press conference in kyiv ukraine on august 27 2024 photo reuters ukraine s president volodymyr zelenskiy holds a press conference in kyiv ukraine on august 27 2024 photo reuters](https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/Zelenskiy-peace1724789256-0/Zelenskiy-peace1724789256-0.jpeg)
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy dismissed the country's Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk on Friday, according to a presidential decree just a day after the Ukrainian military reported that an F-16 jet crashed and its pilot died while repelling a major Russian strike.
"I have decided to replace the commander of the Air Forces... I am eternally grateful to all our military pilots," Zelenskiy said in his evening address. He did not give a reason for dismissal but mentioned that personnel must be protected, and that there was a need to strengthen the command level.
Ukraine's General Staff said that General Lieutenant Anatoliy Kryvonozhka would temporarily perform the duties of commander. The Ukrainian military did not provide a reason for Monday's F-16 crash but said the jet came down while it was approaching a Russian target.
Oleshchuk said on Monday partners from the US were helping investigate the incident.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ