Ukrainian F-16 Pilot Dies from Russian Airstrike
(MENAFN) nighttime Russian aerial assault in the central Cherkasy area, which also left six people wounded.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the pilot perished while defending against the intense Russian air attack.
In the course of the offensive, Ukrainian air defense systems reportedly intercepted 211 out of 477 drones and 38 out of 60 missiles that had been launched by Russian forces.
“The pilot used the entire complex of on-board weapons and shot down seven (Russian) air targets,” a statement declared, noting that the aircraft suffered damage in the confrontation.
The pilot managed to steer the jet away from residential zones but failed to eject from the damaged aircraft in time, according to the same statement.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later acknowledged the incident on X, confirming both the aircraft’s loss and the pilot’s death.
“I have instructed that all the circumstances of his death be investigated. Ukrainian aviation is heroically protecting our skies,” he stated.
President Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia “will not stop” as long as it maintains the capability to conduct large-scale assaults on Ukraine.
He reiterated Kyiv’s appeal for intensified pressure on Moscow and highlighted the urgent necessity for more effective aerial defense systems.
“Ukraine needs to strengthen its air defense — the thing that best protects lives. These are American systems, which we are ready to buy. We count on leadership, political will, and the support of the United States, Europe, and all our partners,” he added.
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