Ukrainian-piloted F-16 downed by Russian missile, BBC Ukraine says

BBC sources have reported that the F-16 fighter jet piloted by 26-year-old Ukrainian Pavlo Ivanov was likely shot down by a Russian missile on Saturday.

Source: BBC Ukraine, citing a source in the government

Quote from the source: "In total, the Russians launched three missiles on the aircraft. It was either a guided anti-aircraft missile from an S-400 ground-based system or an air-to-air R-37 missile."

Details: The circumstances are still under investigation.

However, the source ruled out friendly fire in this case. According to them, there were no Ukrainian air defence systems operating in the area where Ivanov was carrying out the mission.

Background:

• On 12 April, Ivanov was killed in action while performing a combat mission in an F-16 fighter jet.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he had received reports from the military personnel regarding the combat situation, and that all circumstances of the incident were being investigated.
• Later that same day, Zelenskyy posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine to Ivanov.

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