‘Ghost of Kyiv’ Ukraine air pilot ace ‘Juice’ killed

‘Ghost of Kyiv’ Ukraine air pilot ace ‘Juice’ killed
Three Ukrainian pilots, together with a widely known pilot who glided by the decision signal “Juice,” have died in a airplane crash, the Ukrainian Air Force stated.

The incident occurred on Friday close to town of Zhytomyr, about 140 kilometres west of Kyiv. The crews of two L-39 fight coach plane collided within the sky whereas performing a fight mission, in keeping with the Air Force.

The Air Force expressed condolences to the households of the deceased, saying that “this is a painful and irreparable loss for all of us.”

Juice was a MiG-29 pilot and a part of a unit often called “Ghost of Kyiv” that defended central and northern Ukraine on the outset of the struggle.

In an interview final 12 months with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, Juice stated he obtained his nickname throughout a visit to the United States. He stated his mates got here up with the nickname, as a result of he does not drink alcohol and was at all times asking for juice as an alternative.

Juice spoke to CNN once more in June, explaining why he believed it was necessary for Western nations to offer Ukraine with American fighter jets.

“Our counteroffensive could be much more effective and much safer for our guys on the ground,” he stated.

The circumstances of the crash are being investigated by the State Bureau of Investigation of Ukraine (SBI). In a press release launched on Saturday, the company stated that particular consideration might be paid to the technical situation of the plane and whether or not flight preparation guidelines have been complied with.

Specialists may also conduct an intensive analysis of the black bins, the SBI stated.

“The loss of each soldier is a huge loss for the whole country,” the bureau stated.

Source: www.9news.com.au