Ukraine fires air force chief after F-16 loss

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.