Kyiv and Moscow both come under air attack – DW – 08/27/2023

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commemorated the three pilots who were killed in a plane crash on Friday. 

They died after two L-39 trainer aircraft collided over a region west of Kyiv, the air force said on Saturday.

“My heart goes out to the pilots’ friends and loved ones. The investigation is ongoing, and the truth will be revealed,” Zelenskyy said in a post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

The victims included well-known fighter pilot Andriy Pilshchykov, who was known for his contribution to the nation’s air defense, especially during the early days of the invasion.

Ukraine has been aiming to quickly train up a number of its pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets that have been pledged by Western allies.

tg/ab (dpa, Reuters, AFP, AP)