The former head of Ukraine’s air force, Mykola Oleshchuk, has spoken out for the first time since he was fired by Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky in the wake of a fatal crash involving a Western-supplied F-16 jet. The dismissal came after the F-16 crashed on August 26, killing Lt. Col. Oleksiy Mes. Zelensky did not provide a reason for Oleshchuk’s firing but stated that the priority was to protect personnel and soldiers. Oleshchuk, in a message on Telegram, did not mention the reasons for his dismissal but quoted the former commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valery Zaluzhny, who was also fired by Zelensky earlier in the year.
There has been speculation regarding the cause of the F-16 crash that led to Mes’ death, with reports suggesting that friendly fire from a Patriot missile battery may have downed the jet. Ukrainian politician Mariana Bezuhla, who sits on the parliamentary defense committee, has criticized the air force and high command for a “culture of lies.” Oleshchuk, in return, accused Bezuhla of discrediting Ukraine’s military leadership and called for a proper investigation with international involvement into Mes’ death. The crash occurred during a barrage of Russian missiles, highlighting the complex challenges faced by the Ukrainian military in its conflict with Russia.
Mes was among a group of Ukrainian pilots trained to use the F-16 jets that Ukraine had long awaited and hoped would provide an advantage in its fight against Russian aggression. His training in Denmark was described as condensed and challenging, likening the transition from Soviet-era aircraft to F-16s as going from a “Nokia straight to an iPhone.” Mes had been actively lobbying for the delivery of F-16s to Ukraine, making media appearances and visiting Washington to meet with lawmakers. The loss of Mes and the F-16 jet has dealt a significant blow to Ukraine’s military capabilities and its efforts to counter Russian actions.
International support for Ukraine, including the supply of F-16s, has been pledged by NATO countries following approval from President Joe Biden. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen confirmed that F-16s provided by Copenhagen were operational in Ukraine. Ukrainian journalist Ilia Ponomarenko has called for a thorough investigation into Mes’ death and the circumstances surrounding the crash, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. Despite the challenges faced by the Ukrainian military, there is a strong sense of determination and resilience among its personnel and supporters, as they continue to confront Russian aggression and defend their country.
The controversy surrounding Oleshchuk’s dismissal, coupled with the tragic loss of Mes and the F-16 jet, has raised questions about the internal dynamics of the Ukrainian military and the effectiveness of its leadership. The call for accountability and transparency reflects a broader demand for integrity and honesty within the armed forces. As Ukraine navigates a complex and volatile security environment, the need for strong and competent leadership is paramount. The ongoing conflict with Russia underscores the importance of unity and solidarity among Ukraine’s military and political leaders, as they strive to protect their country and uphold its sovereignty against external threats.
