A Ukrainian Mig-29 fighter jet crashed during landing after a combat mission on Friday night, killing its 46-year-old pilot, Major Serhij Bondar, according to the Ukrainian Air Forces. Investigations are underway, with condolences expressed to the pilot’s family.
Mig-29 Fighter Jet Crash in Ukraine: 46-Year-Old Pilot Duzgunce Killed
Crash During Landing After Combat Mission
The incident occurred during the night of Friday to Saturday (August 22-23). The Mig-29 fighter jet crashed while landing after completing a combat mission, as reported by the Ukrainian Air Forces. The pilot, Major Serhij Bondar, died in the accident. “The investigation into the causes and circumstances of the crash is ongoing. We extend our condolences to the pilot’s family and loved ones,” the military stated in a communication.
Alarms in Kyiv During NATO Chief’s Visit
In recent days, Russian forces intensified drone and rocket attacks on Ukraine. On Friday, an air raid alert was issued in Kyiv during the visit of the NATO chief due to incoming strikes. During the meeting, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed Russians were attempting to prevent his planned meeting with Vladimir Putin. He emphasized that “real and strong sanctions are needed unless Russia agrees to a diplomatic resolution of the war.”
Reuters: U.S. Envoy to Ukraine to Visit Kyiv
Meanwhile, Keith Kellogg, the U.S. special envoy for Ukraine, is set to visit Kyiv this weekend for Independence Day celebrations, Reuters reported. Kellogg will also conduct diplomatic talks. The agency noted that the U.S. envoy is arriving as “the U.S., Ukraine, and Europe are aligning on security guarantees.” Kellogg was not present during the U.S.-Russia discussions in Alaska, having been excluded at Russia’s request, which views him as a pro-Ukrainian sympathizer.
Source: Gazeta, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/wojsko#anchorLink, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/horoskop#anchorLink, https://next.gazeta.pl/next/7