Ukrainian Lawmaker Claims US-Made Jet Shot Down by Friendly Fire
A recent incident involving the crash of Ukraine’s first Western-provided F-16 fighter jet has raised suspicions of friendly fire, according to a lawmaker from President Zelensky’s ruling party. General Nikolay Oleshchuk, the former head of the Ukrainian Air Force, was relieved of his duties following a public clash with the lawmaker over the cause of the crash.
The pilot, Aleksey ‘Moonfish’ Mes, tragically lost his life in the crash, which was initially kept under wraps by authorities until Thursday. The lawmaker, Mariana Bezuglaya, alleged that the jet was brought down by one of Ukraine’s US-donated ‘Patriot’ air defense systems.
Following the controversy, Oleshchuk was swiftly replaced, with Lieutenant General Anatoly Krivonozhko taking over as the acting Air Force commander. The incident has sparked debates over military decision-making and coordination within the Ukrainian armed forces.
The US, which has not committed any F-16s to Ukraine, has distanced itself from the incident, stating that any investigation into the crash would be the responsibility of Ukrainian authorities. Despite promises of support from European allies, the delivery of military aircraft to Ukraine has been limited.