The shocking footage shows a prominent Ukrainian fighter pilot conducting a bombing raid over the conflict zone of Kursk, where Kiev's forces have been making major gains.
“Precision strikes, objective control and gratitude from the commander. And this is done every day! Ruthlessly and selflessly,” the Ukrainian Air Force said in a video released following a high-profile incident involving one of its recently acquired F-16 fighter jets.
Ukrainian fighter pilot hero Vadim Voroshilov, 30, led the mission aboard a Soviet-era MiG-29 supersonic fighter jet, which used a glide bomb developed by Boeing in cooperation with Australia's Defence Science and Technology Organisation.
The footage shows technicians loading the missiles onto the plane while Voroshilov, who goes by the call sign “Karaya,” inspects the aircraft before taking off and flying into Kursk airspace. The footage then shows the bridge being destroyed both from a distance and from Voroshilov's targeting display.
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According to East2West, Ukraine has targeted bridges and crossings over the Seym River in Kursk over the past month in an attempt to disrupt Russian resupply capabilities in the region as it continues to assert its claim over the area.
Voroshilov became the face of the Ukrainian Air Force after a series of shocking moments in the first year of the war, including bailout from his plane after shooting down five Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones. According to Newsweek:.
Photographs of him, bloodied but smiling and giving a thumbs up, taken after his escape proved the inspiring, defiant image Ukraine wanted to present as Russia continues its assault on its border regions.
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For his actions, Voroshilov was awarded the Order of the Gold Star and the title “Hero of Ukraine.”
“The award is awarded for personal courage and heroism shown in protecting the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and for selfless service to the Ukrainian people,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in presenting the medal to Voroshilov.
A bridge over the Seim River exploded after Karaya dropped bombs from his MiG-29.
The footage of Voroshilov's latest bombing, captured after a debacle in which Ukraine reported its first loss of an F-16 fighter jet that President Zelensky had struggled to acquire, has once again drawn attention to the “Hero of Ukraine.”
Ukraine had touted the cutting-edge aircraft as a key part of a much-needed modern aircraft fleet for its military, but about a month after receiving it, a Russian missile shot it down, killing the pilot, Oleksiy Mess.
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The Ukrainian military claimed the crash was not the result of enemy fire. The BBC reported:Officials claimed pilots destroyed three cruise missiles and a drone in Russia's largest attack on Ukraine since the start of the war.
Ukrainian fighter pilot hero Vadim Voroshilov, 30, led the mission in a Soviet-era MiG-29 supersonic fighter jet. (East/West)
Russia launched 100 missiles and 100 drones, followed by a smaller barrage of 10 missiles and 80 drones, which Ukraine largely withheld.
Ukrainian officials have not said whether Metz was piloting an F-16, but a military source told the BBC that it was. Various reports have said the crash was the result of mechanical failure or pilot error, but a member of the Ukrainian parliament's defence committee has claimed it was the result of an accidental shot.
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The destruction of the F-16 also reportedly prompted President Zelensky to fire the Air Force commander, who stressed that he acted to protect the lives of those fighting for Ukraine.
The first jets arrived from Denmark, but the Netherlands has confirmed it will provide Ukraine with 24 more fighters as Kiev continues its advance on Kursk.
