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Zelensky sacks Ukraine air force commander Oleshchuk

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Volodymyr Zelensky has sacked the commander of Ukraine’s air force, Lt Gen Mykola Oleshchuk, amid debate over the destruction of one of the country’s valuable new F-16 fighter jets.

Mr Zelensky did not give a reason for the dismissal, but in a post to Telegram he said that it was his responsibility to “take care of all our warriors”.

On Monday, one of the F-16 fighter jets delivered earlier this month from Ukraine’s Western allies went down during a barrage of Russian missiles, killing the pilot.

The cause of the crash was not a direct result of an enemy strike, Ukraine said, and Lt Gen Oleshchuk sparred with some politicians over who was to blame for the loss.

In his post to Telegram, Mr Zelensky said he had decided to replace Lt Gen Oleschuk, noting that “at the command level, we must strengthen ourselves and protect our people”.

“I am immensely grateful to all our military pilots, all engineers, all mobile fire group warriors, and all air defence personnel,” Mr Zelensky said.

“To everyone who is truly fighting for Ukraine, for results. And this is just as necessary at the command level, we must strengthen ourselves and protect our people. Protect the personnel, protect all our warriors.”

Lt Gen Anatolii Kryvonozhko was appointed interim commander of the air force, the army’s general staff said in a statement. The officer previously oversaw Ukraine’s central air command, leading operations in the centre of the country.

He takes charge as officials have clashed over the loss of the F-16 jet, which has ignited fierce debate in Ukraine.

Ukrainian politician Mariana Bezuhla, who sits on a parliamentary defence committee, claimed on Thursday that the jet was downed by Ukraine’s Patriot air defence system.

Mr Oleshchuk responded earlier on Friday that an investigation was underway and no one was hiding anything. He accused Ms Bezuhla of discrediting military leadership and said the time would come for an apology.

After the announcement of his dismissal, Ms Bezuhla posted on social media that truth would prevail.

Around 65 F-16s have been pledged by Nato countries since US President Joe Biden first authorised willing European allies to send them to Ukraine in August 2023.

Mr Zelensky has dismissed multiple military commanders since the war with Russia began in February 2022.

In February this year, he sacked the commander-in-chief of the country’s armed forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi.

And in June, he dismissed Lt Gen Yuriy Sodol after public criticism about the top general’s excessive casualties and accusations of incompetence.

Lt Gen Oleshchuk came as Ukraine continues its incursion into the Kursk region in Russia, which started with a surprise offensive on 6 August.

The commander of Ukraine’s armed forces, Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, said on Friday his troops had advanced a further 2 km (1.2 miles) into Kursk over the past day.

Also on Friday, a Ukrainian delegation met US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin in Washington.

The head of the Ukrainian president’s office, Andriy Yermak, and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov spoke about the situation on the battlefield, the need for weapons and equipment, and recent attacks on the energy system, the office said.

The Ukrainians said the country needs to strengthen its air defence in order to protect people and critical infrastructure.

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“We no lose o” — VeryDarkMan sings and dances after court hearing against Femi Falana and Falz held today.

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6 hours ago

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November 14, 2024

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"We no lose o" — VeryDarkMan sings and dances after court hearing against Femi Falana and Falz held today.
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VeryDarkMan’s court hearing against Femi Falana and Falz took place today, and he seems to be celebrating. However, the court actually ruled in favor of Femi Falana, ordering VeryDarkMan to delete defamatory videos about him.

It appears VeryDarkMan had made some allegations against Falana and his son, Falz, which the court deemed defamatory. The court also granted Falana’s request to serve VeryDarkMan with court processes through his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju Esq.

Despite the court’s ruling, VeryDarkMan seems to be in high spirits, singing and dancing after the hearing. It’s unclear what the outcome of the case will be, but for now, VeryDarkMan appears to be taking it in stride.

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GUNMEN ATTACK MILITARY CHECKPOINT AT ABIA AND IMO BOARDER, ALLEGEDLY KILL TWO SOLDIERS…

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13 hours ago

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November 14, 2024

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GUNMEN ATTACK MILITARY CHECKPOINT AT ABIA AND IMO BOARDER, ALLEGEDLY KILL TWO SOLDIERS
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Ekwutosblog gathered that Gunmen attacked an army checkpoint earlier today, Wednesday 13th November, 2024 at Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area, killing two soldiers.

A military source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the attack occurred around 6:18 am. The gunmen arrived in a white Lexus (350/400) model, although the exact number of attackers could not be confirmed.

Confirming the incident in a press release on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA said: “In the early hours of today, 13 November 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, deployed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia – Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, came under attack by faceless group.

“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack. However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”

The Joint Task Force appealed to residents of the South East, particularly those in Abia State, for credible information to help track down the fleeing attackers and combat criminal elements in the region.

The force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property in line with global best practices and the rules of engagement.

Kindly follow ekwutosblog on Instagram and Facebook for verified News and Current Affairs in addition to insightful contents that inform, inspire, educate and entertain you always.

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TV chef found dead in hotel aged 52 after criticising Vladimir Putin

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13 hours ago

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November 14, 2024

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Alexei Zimin has died
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A TV chef who fled to London after his opposition of Vladimir Putoin has been found dead while on a promotional tour

A Russian TV chef who criticised Vladimir Putin has been found dead in a Belgrade hotel

Alexei Zimin, 52, died suddenly on a promotional tour to the Serbian capital. Authorities have said his cause of death is currently “unclear”.

Zimin fled Russia to London after his oppositions of Putin. Zimin was once a popular figure on Russian cooking shows. He also owned Zima restaurant in Soho, which he founded after he had left Russia following Putin’s invasion of Crimea.

In a statement released by Zima magazine today, a spokesperson said: “Alexei Zimin, the project’s editor-in-chief and the chef of the Zima restaurant, has passed away. Alexei was not only a colleague, he was our friend, a close person with whom we were lucky to go through a lot – both good, kind and sad.”

London-based exiled Russian TV chef, editor and restaurateur Alexei Zimin, dies at 52.

It concluded: “Thank you to everyone for the words we received today about Alexei. We are hurting together with you.”

Zimin had also been editor-in-chief of the Russian edition of GQ magazine.

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