The resignation came after the Ukrainian Armed Forces lost one of the F-16 fighters provided by the Western allies.
President Vladimir Zelensky, by order, fired the commander of the Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Nikolai Oleshchuk. Traditionally, the order does not indicate the reasons for dismissal. Lieutenant General Anatoly Krivonozhko was appointed acting commander of the Air Force. This replacement preceded the loss of the F-16 fighter and the scandal that followed.
Zelensky’s explanations
The President published a video message about the resignation of Oleschuk, who served as commander of the Air Force since August 2021.
“I decided to replace the commander of the Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. I am eternally grateful to all our military pilots, engineers, soldiers of mobile fire groups, and air defense crews. To everyone who really fights for Ukraine – for the result. We must strengthen ourselves. Take care of all our warriors,” he said.
Crash scandal
On August 29, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that on August 26, while repelling a massive missile attack from Russia, an F-16 crashed and pilot Alexey Mes was killed.
People’s Deputy Maryana Bezuglaya first said that, according to her information, the F-16 fighter was hit by the Ukrainian air defense, and then wrote a message in which she called Oleschuk to state his position. He also said that “this is at least the third case when our plane with a pilot was shot down by its own air defense. The two previous incidents that had nothing to do with the F-16 were officially attributed to the Russians.”
Oleshchuk responded by saying that all the circumstances of the disaster would be clarified by the investigation, and that Bezuglaya was engaged in discrediting the top military leadership. “So I appeal to the representative of the people, who sold his name a long time ago, to achieve these evil goals Maryana, the time will come, apologize in front of the whole army for what you have done, I hope in court!” he wrote.
Former spokesman of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Yuriy Ignat called on the State Bureau of Investigation and Security Service of Ukraine to investigate Bezugla’s actions after his statements
“Maybe someone will write a statement against Bezuglaya at the State Bureau of Investigation? How long will this mockery of the country and troops last? SBU – there’s probably a job for you here too!” – Ignat mentioned.
Bezuglaya’s information that the F-16 plane piloted by Alexei Mes was allegedly “shot down by the Patriot air defense system due to discoordination between units” still has no confirmation.
Who will take over?
Oleshchuk was born in Lutsk in 1972, graduated from the Zhytomyr Higher School of Air Defense Radioelectronics, Kharkov Military University and the National Defense University of Ukraine. He held positions from crew chief of the radio technical battery of the S-300 anti-aircraft missile division to commander of the anti-aircraft missile brigade. Later, he became deputy chief of staff of Air Command South, deputy chief of staff of Air Force Command, and deputy commander of Air Command East. Participate in ATO and Joint Forces Operation.
Anatoly Krivonozhko was born on July 27, 1965.
From 2006 to 2008 he was commander of the 114th tactical aviation brigade. Since 2015 – Commander of the Air Command of the Air Force Center of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky personally presented Krivonozhko with the Order of the Golden Star. He was also awarded the highest title – Hero of Ukraine in 2023.
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.