Zelenskyy replaces Commander of Ukraine’s Air Force

The official website of the President of Ukraine reported that the presidential decree stated, “To remove Mykola Oleshchuk from the position of Commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.”

Oleshchuk had been serving as the commander since 2021.

Following the dismissal, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's press service released a video message.

“I’ve decided to replace the Commander of the Air Force of Ukraine. I am deeply grateful to all our military pilots, engineers, mobile firing groups, and air defense units. Everyone who is fighting for Ukraine, striving for results, is valued. This includes our command level - we need to strengthen it. We must take care of our people, our personnel, and all our soldiers,” Zelenskyy said in the video.

New Commander of the Air Force

Lieutenant General Anatolii Kryvonozhko will temporarily head the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“According to the order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Anatolii Kryvonozhko, the Commander of the Air Command Center, is appointed to temporarily perform the duties of Commander of the Air Force of Ukraine,” the General Staff announced.

F-16 crash in Ukraine

On the night of August 25-26, Russia attacked Ukraine with missiles and drones. As a result of the prolonged massive attack, people were killed and injured in various regions. On August 26, Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting. According to him, Russia launched 127 missiles of various types and 109 drones at the territory of Ukraine.

Later, it was revealed that Ukraine's first F-16 fighter jet was destroyed in Ukraine during Russia's massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine. On August 29, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine officially confirmed the loss of Ukraine's first F-16 fighter jet.

30-year-old military pilot Oleksii Mes died performing a combat mission and defending Ukrainians during a massive Russian missile attack on August 26.