Three people died after two training planes crashed in the air in Zhytomyr, Ukraine.
Among the victims was the well-known fighter pilot “Juice” – who during the war was singled out as one of the country’s most promising talents.
“Ukraine will never forget those who defended the sky,” says President Zelensky after the accident.
On Friday, an accident occurred during one of the exercises of the Ukrainian Air Force in Zhytomyr in western Ukraine, according to a statement from the authorities. Two model L-39 training planes flew into each other causing a large mid-air crash.
Three fighter pilots died in connection with the accident.
The Air Force in mourning: “Mega talent”
Now the Ukrainian Air Force has opened an investigation into the crash, according to AFP.
“We express our condolences to the families of the victims. This is a painful and irreplaceable loss for all of us,” the Air Force said in a statement.
One of the fighter pilots who lost his life in the accident was Andriy Pilshtkov, who was also called “Juice”. Air Force spokesperson Jurij Ignat says in a statement that “Juice” was known as a young pilot with “mega knowledge and mega talent.”
“Major Andriy Pilshtkov devoted his short but very bright life to combat aviation, he dreamed of the F-16 in the Ukrainian sky,” he says in a statement on social media.
Zelensky’s tribute
“You were more than a friend. Rest in peace, you have done so much for us”.
“Juice” has previously been interviewed by, among others, the Washington Post, CNN and the BBC. He has repeatedly appealed for warplanes to be sent to Ukraine, according to Ukrainian Pravda.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has also paid tribute to Andriy Pilshtkov.
“My heart goes out to the friends and loved ones of the pilots. The investigation is ongoing and the truth will be revealed. Ukraine will never forget those who defended the sky,” he writes on X after the accident.