Zelenskyy Dismisses Air Force Commander After F-16 Crash

Ukraine has dismissed Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk following the crash of an F-16 fighter jet, which resulted in the death of pilot Aleksey 'Moonfish' Mes. The incident occurred amid a major Russian missile and drone attack, leading to disputes over its cause, with some alleging friendly fire from a Patriot missile system, including a public feud with Ukrainian MP Mariana Bezuglaya. Official investigations are considering multiple possibilities, including mechanical failure or pilot error, but it is deemed too early to speculate definitively. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the dismissal in a video message, emphasizing the need to protect military personnel and strengthen command. Lieutenant General Anatolii Kryvonozhko has been appointed as the acting Air Force commander.