Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Saturday that a 26-year-old fighter pilot was killed during a combat mission involving an F-16 fighter jet, expressing condolences to the family and comrades of Capt. Pavlo Ivanov. Zelenskyy said the military is investigating all aspects of the circumstances of the incident.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Ukrainian leader emphasized the commitment of the nation’s air forces, stating, ‘Our F-16s, Mirages, MiGs, and the entire combat aviation are heroically executing military missions to defend our state and support ground operations.’ He underscored the critical role of Ukraine’s Air Force in safeguarding the nation against Russian missile and drone attacks.
Zelenskyy conveyed his pride in the country’s military personnel, concluding his message with the patriotic words: ‘Glory to Ukraine!’ The specific location and circumstances surrounding Capt. Ivanov’s death have not yet been disclosed.