The Air Force Commander emphasized that the help of partners is very important, but the Ukrainians themselves must defend the country’s independence.
The Ukrainian Defense Forces shot down approximately 85% of the enemy’s cruise missiles and attack UAVs. The commander of the Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Nikolai Oleshchuk, announced this in his New Year’s address.
The commander stressed that the help of partners is very important, but Ukrainians themselves must defend the country’s independence.
“We hope for strong support from allies in 2024, but first of all we rely on our own strength!” – said Nikolai Oleschuk.
The commander has been developing the work of Ukrainian pilots since the beginning of the entire invasion of Russia.
Since February 24, 2022, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have destroyed 1,709 missiles of various types. Among them: X-101/555/55 – produced – 1360, destroyed – 1045; Caliber – released – 834, destroyed – 397; Iskander-K – 15 launched, 62 destroyed. Attack UAVs Shahed-136/131 – launched – 3940, destroyed – 3095, “said Lieutenant General Oleshchuk and added that at the beginning of 2023 Ukraine received the first Patriot system,” and accordingly – the ability to destroy “ballistics”.
It is reported that 15 aeroballistic Kh-47M2 Kinzhal and dozens of enemy ballistic missiles have been destroyed. The air force is hoping for additional systems that can prevent “ballistics.”
In total, 329 Russian aircraft and 324 helicopters were destroyed since the start of the entire invasion. The aviation of the Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces made more than 16 thousand sorties.
Ukrainian pilots destroyed several Russian naval vessels and hit the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.
“In 2024, we will receive Western aircraft, more bombs and missiles of American, British and French production. This will help us fight the enemy, liberate our land, clean our sky and sea of garbage of Russia,” the commander announced.
We remind you that the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs placed the Air Force commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Nikolai Oleshchuk on the “federal wanted list”. The agency of the aggressor country threatens him with 20 years in prison.
Source: korrespondent

I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.