Defense officials in Ukraine are trying to figure out what caused the crash of an F-16 fighter jet that was provided by their allies in the West. On Thursday, they announced an investigation was underway by a special commission. Following the crash, a top military official was removed from his post.
On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said: “I have decided to replace the commander of the air force. I am immensely grateful to all our military pilots.”
Zelenskyy did not give a reason for the move but said there was a need to strengthen the command.
Military officials said the F-16 crashed while countering a Russian missile strike and that the pilot was killed. They added that the investigation will be aided by partners from the US.
A woman who owns a cafe in Kyiv said, “It’s a major tragedy. There should be some kind of explanation of what happened. ”
A man in Kyiv said, “I am so sad that we lost our pilot. I hope this will never happen again.”
Ukrainian leaders have been appealing to Western nations to supply F-16s, claiming they are indispensable in the fight against Russian forces. The AP said they have taken delivery of at least six. The crash was the first to be reported.
The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, said that “any loss among Ukraine’s already limited allotment” of the planes will have an “outsized impact” on its air-defense umbrella and its ability to support ground operations.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed renewed willingness to help the war effort.
On Friday, he met Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov at the Pentagon. He said allies will push to meet the needs of Ukraine’s forces, including air defense capabilities and other security assistance.