Main points
- The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine denied information about the participation of foreign pilots in combat missions in Ukraine, noting that only Ukrainian pilots fly.
- The CPS also denied the French publication's claims about a secret F-16 squadron with foreign pilots.
The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine denied the statements about foreign pilots in Ukraine / Collage of Channel 24 (illustrative)
The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine denied information from a French publication about foreign pilots flying F-16s in Ukraine. The journalists claimed that they allegedly worked in a secret squadron.
The information from Intelligence Online was denied by Yuriy Ignat, head of the communications department of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, during a telethon and on Facebook.
Is it true that the Kyiv region is protected by foreign pilots?
As Yuriy Ignat noted, a number of Ukrainian Telegram channels immediately called for caution in dealing with the publication of the French publication, as it raises doubts.
As a result, the Ukrainian Air Force stated that the reports about the participation of foreign pilots in combat missions were fake.
We didn't even immediately start to refute it, we wanted to see the reaction of our enemy, who immediately sees “a large number of foreigners” here. We will definitely study the reaction, but I want to say that our pilots are flying in our sky,
– explained Yuriy Ignat.
The Air Force added that Ukraine cooperates with partners within the aviation coalition. At the same time, combat flights on F-16s are performed exclusively by Ukrainian pilots, the results of which even foreign pilots are surprised by, Ignat added.
The Center for Countering Disinformation also denied the statements of Western media outlets.
What did the French publication write about the F-16 squadron?
- Intelligence Online published a story on February 16 alleging the creation of a secret F-16 squadron in Ukraine. It has reportedly appeared in recent weeks.
- According to the publication, the squadron allegedly includes Ukrainian, American and Dutch pilots. Journalists assure that, in particular, American veterans defend the airspace of the Kyiv region every day. They “intercept Russian “Calibers” and X-101s and drones.”
- Intelligence Online sources emphasize that Western pilots were allegedly recruited because they have experience working with ultra-modern aircraft equipment.