KYIV: Ukraine’s F-16 fighter jet crashed during a Russian attack, marking the first loss of the newly acquired U.S.-made planes. The pilot died while approaching a Russian target, as confirmed by the Ukrainian General Staff on Facebook.
The F-16s successfully downed four Russian cruise missiles, demonstrating high efficiency. The Russian attack involved over 200 missiles and drones targeting Ukraine’s energy sector. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with initial reports ruling out Russian fire.
President Zelenskiy highlighted the challenges of limited trained pilots and jet availability. The loss of pilot Oleksiy Mes, known as Moonfish, in the combat mission was a significant sacrifice in defending Ukraine against Russian aggression.
The arrival of the F-16s marked a crucial milestone in Ukraine’s defense against the ongoing invasion. While the small fleet may not turn the tide of the conflict, it underscores the importance of allies providing modern jets to bolster Ukraine’s air force.
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