The crash of the US-made F-16, killing top pilot Oleksiy 'Moonfish' Mes, marks a significant loss for Ukraine just as the aircraft begin combat operations.
Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed that for the first time, F-16s were used in combat to target Russian missiles and drones amid the largest aerial attack.
The investigation into the crash will involve international experts, as Ukrainian military sources do not believe pilot error was a factor in the incident.
Securing the F-16s for Ukraine involved extensive negotiations with Western allies, highlighting the country’s desperation for advanced aerial capabilities in its ongoing conflict.
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