Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk, the commander of the country’s air force, on Friday, just days after a fatal crash involving an F-16 fighter jet provided by Western allies. The crash, which occurred during a Russian bombardment, claimed the life of the pilot.
The official order for Oleshchuk’s dismissal was posted on the presidential website. In a subsequent address, Zelenskyy emphasized the need to protect military personnel and strengthen Ukraine’s military leadership. “We need to protect people. Protect personnel. Take care of all our soldiers,” he stated.
Lt. Gen. Anatolii Kryvonozhko has been appointed as the acting air force commander, according to the general staff of the Ukrainian army.
Oleshchuk’s removal comes on the heels of his public clash with Mariana Bezuhla, a lawmaker and deputy head of Ukraine’s parliamentary defense committee. Bezuhla had claimed, citing unnamed sources, that the F-16 was accidentally shot down by a U.S.-supplied Patriot air-defense system, and called for accountability.
Oleshchuk responded by accusing Bezuhla of tarnishing the reputation of the air force and discrediting U.S. defense manufacturers. He also expressed hope that she would face legal consequences for her statements.
As Ukraine continues its fight against Russian aggression, the incident highlights ongoing challenges in managing complex military operations and international defense collaborations.
