F-16 Fighter Jet Pilot for Ukraine Killed by Russian Strike

UKRAINE – An F-16 fighter jet pilot for Ukraine was killed by a Russian airstrike in Cherkasy region according to Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Air Force announced that the pilot was killed while repelling an overnight Russian airstrike during which it claimed that 211 out of 477 drones and 38 out of 60 missiles launched by Russia were shot down by air defenses.

“The pilot used the entire complex of on-board weapons and shot down seven (Russian) air targets,” a statement said, adding that the fighter jet was damaged during the engagement.

He took the fighter jet away from populated areas, but was unable to eject from the damaged aircraft on time, said the statement.

“I have instructed that all the circumstances of his death be investigated. Ukrainian aviation is heroically protecting our skies,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said later on X, confirming the loss of the F-16 and its pilot.

Arguing that Russia “will not stop” as long as it has the ability to launch massive strikes on Ukraine, Zelenskyy reaffirmed Kyiv’s calls for stronger pressure on Moscow to end the ongoing conflict and underlined the need for stronger air defense.

“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.

Separately, Cherkasy Governor Ihor Taburets said on Telegram that six people were injured in the city of Smila in an overnight airstrike that damaged three nine-story buildings and a local college.

Taburets said that all services are working to address the impact of the attack, adding that an operational headquarters has been established.

“An examination is currently underway. Based on the results, we will know the final extent of the damage,” he said.