KYIV: Ukraine said Saturday that three of its air force pilots including a renowned fighter jet pilot with the call-sign 鈥淛uice鈥� were killed in a mid-air collision on Friday.
The crash marks a major upset for Kyiv, which has been looking to secure advanced F-16 jets to strengthen its Soviet-era air force and push ahead with its counteroffensive.
鈥淲e express our condolences to the families of the victims. This is a painful and irreparable loss for all of us,鈥� Ukraine鈥檚 air force said, calling the crash 鈥渢errible.鈥�
The crash took place in Ukraine鈥檚 northern Zhytomyr region and involved two L-39 combat training aircraft, it said, adding an investigation was underway.
Air force spokesperson Yuriy Ignat said one of the pilots killed 鈥� Andrii Pilshchykov 鈥� who went by the call-sign 鈥淛uice,鈥� was a young officer with 鈥渕ega knowledge and mega talent.鈥�
鈥淢ajor Andrii Pilshchykov devoted his short but very bright life to combat aviation, he dreamed of F-16s in the Ukrainian sky,鈥� he said in a tribute shared on social media.
鈥淵ou were more than a friend. Rest in peace, you have done so much for us,鈥� he added.