Russia shoots down Ukrainian F-16AM fighter jet over Sumy region; 26-year-old pilot killed in crash

Russian military forces shot down a F-16AM fighter jet from the Ukrainian Air Force on April 12, over the Sumy region, in an attack that reportedly involved the S-400 air defense system.

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Initial reports suggested the aircraft was brought down during an aerial duel with a Su-35S fighter jet from the Russian Aerospace Forces. However, eyewitnesses told Russian authorities that the Ukrainian fighter jet exploded midair in a fireball — an indication it may have been hit by a surface-to-air missile.

According to the reports, three anti-aircraft missiles were fired at the F-16. The pilot managed to evade two of them, but the third missile struck the aircraft. The launch is believed to have originated from an S-400 system stationed in the vicinity.

The Ukrainian pilot, identified as Captain Pavlo Ivanov, aged 26, did not survive the crash. As of now, there is no confirmed information about the wreckage or the pilot’s remains.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, mourned the pilot’s death in a post on social media:

Today, sadly, Captain Pavlo Ivanov was killed in action flying an F-16. The man was just 26 years old. My condolences to his family and to all of Pavlo’s brothers and sisters. Military reports on this combat situation are necessary. We are clarifying all the circumstances.

Ukraine’s F-16s, Mirages, and MiGs — our entire combat aviation — heroically carry out military missions, defending our state and supporting ground operations. The Air Force is also involved in defending Ukraine from Russian missiles and drones.

We are proud of our warriors. We will respond firmly and competently.
Glory to Ukraine!

Source: Official Telegram of Volodymyr Zelensky