"US partners have already joined the investigation": Oleshchuk makes statement on F-16 crash and responds to Bezuhla's accusations

Commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykola Oleshchuk responded to the accusations of MP Mariana Bezuhla about the alleged destruction of at least three of Ukraine's own aircraft by Ukrainian air defense. He said that a detailed investigation is underway, with the help of partners from the United States, and that Bezuhla herself is a "tool to discredit" the Ukrainian military and will apologize to the entire army in the future.

Oleshchuk posted the statement on his official Telegram channel on August 30. "The terrible plane crash of the F-16 aircraft piloted by one of the best Ukrainian fighter pilots, Oleksii Mes, has shocked the whole world," he wrote.

The commander also posted a screenshot of Bezuhlaya's post, in which she claimed at least the third downing of a Ukrainian plane by Ukraine's air defense and that "the two previous cases, which did not involve F-16s, were officially attributed to the Russians."

According to Oleshchuk, on August 26, 2024, the day of the largest shelling of Ukraine, "we lost a trained pilot, we lost an F-16, but we did not lose our humanity and faith in victory."

"Of course, we will find out the causes of the plane crash. No one hid or is hiding anything! The entire top management immediately received a report on the crash. Our partners from the United States also received a preliminary report and have already joined the investigation," said the Air Force commander.

Oleshchuk assured that a detailed analysis is already underway, and an investigation is underway.

"We have to thoroughly understand what happened, what the circumstances are, whose responsibility is. And it will be done! Information about such incidents cannot be released immediately to the public and cannot be detailed for the media. There is a war in the country! But this does not matter to the people who chose Mariana Bezuhla as a tool to discredit the top military leadership. It will not be possible to hang all the dogs on the army," he said.

Mykola Oleshchuk expressed confidence that Bezuglya will have to apologize to all the defenders of Ukraine.

"I am addressing the MP who sold her name long ago to achieve these vile goals. Mariana, the time will come when you will apologize to the entire army for what you have done, I hope in court!" he said.

The Air Force commander added: Bezuhla has once again "not only thrown dirt" on him personally and on the Air Force, she has discredited the producers of American weapons – Ukraine's main ally, the United States.

"You have once again become the main newsmaker of enemy propaganda and are breaking all records on Russian television! The whole of Russia applauds you! If you are not helping us, then at least do not prevent us from fighting!" Oleshchuk said.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

– On August 29, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources, that an F-16 had crashed in Ukraine. Preliminary data, according to the newspaper, indicate that the plane was not shot down.

– The information about the loss of the aircraft was later confirmed by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but the name of the deceased pilot was not named.

– The West Air Command reported that pilot Oleksandr Mes "Moonfish" died on August 26, repelling a Russian attack, destroying three cruise missiles and a Shahed. The hero was buried on August 29.

– Ukrainian Armed Forces pilot Andrii Pylshchykov "Juice", who died a year ago, and "Moonfish" actively lobbied for Ukraine to receive F-16s and traveled to the United States for this purpose.

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