In a decisive move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed the commander of the country's air force, Mykola Oleshchuk, just four days after an F-16 warplane crashed during a Russian bombardment, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot. The presidential order to dismiss Oleshchuk was published on Friday via the official website.

Addressing the nation shortly after the order was made public, President Zelenskyy emphasized the need to prioritize the protection of personnel and ensure the well-being of all soldiers. He stressed that strengthening the command level within the Ukrainian army is crucial.

Coinciding with his dismissal, Oleshchuk had engaged in a confrontation with Mariana Bezuhla, a deputy head of the Ukrainian parliament's defense committee. Bezuhla had claimed that the F-16 was brought down by a Patriot air-defense system, referencing unspecified sources. Oleshchuk fiercely criticized her statements, accusing her of defaming the air force and discrediting US arms manufacturers. He expressed hope that she would face legal consequences for her claims.

While the Ukrainian air force did not explicitly deny the possibility of the F-16 being hit by a Patriot missile, US experts have joined the Ukrainian investigation into the crash. A US defense official commented that the incident does not appear to be a result of Russian fire, and investigations into potential causes ranging from pilot error to mechanical failure are ongoing.

The F-16s, which arrived in Ukraine at the end of last month with an estimated delivery of at least six from European countries, were hailed by Ukrainian officials as an opportunity to counter Russia's air superiority. Experts, however, have noted that given Russia's formidable air force and advanced air defense systems, these jets may not drastically alter the course of the war.

As the Ukrainian military conducts a comprehensive analysis of the F-16 crash, Oleshchuk emphasized the importance of understanding the circumstances and assigning responsibility for the incident. The loss of the F-16 marked the first reported incident involving these aircraft in Ukraine.

Ukraine continues to receive support from its Western partners, with US experts actively participating in the investigation. The truth behind the F-16 crash remains a priority as Ukraine strives to strengthen its armed forces in the face of ongoing tensions with Russia.