How many targets the Air Force shot down since the beginning of the full-scale war: figures from Oleshchuk.

Since the beginning of the Russian war, the Air Force of Ukraine has destroyed more than 8000 air targets. This was stated by the Commander of the Air Force of Ukraine, Mykola Oleshchuk.

«The battle for the sky continues. The enemy attacks us with bombs and missiles around the clock, conducts air reconnaissance, and strikes with attack drones every night... In two and a half years, the Air Force has destroyed more than 8000 enemy air targets: hundreds of aircraft and helicopters, thousands of cruise missiles and drones. Ukrainian pilots have made over 20 thousand combat sorties, most – for the combat use of aviation weapons», – said Oleshchuk.

Oleshchuk also thanked Ukraine's partners for their «powerful support».

«I thank them for their conscientious position in protecting peace and democracy, our people! Skillfully and effectively using modern Western weapons, the warriors of the Air Force have shown extraordinary courage, heroism, professionalism, and ingenuity», – noted the Commander of the Air Force.

He also added that for personal bravery and dedication in defending the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, 4475 Air Force servicemen received state awards, 47 of them became Heroes of Ukraine, and 25 – posthumously.

Let us recall, combat pilot Pavlo Kononov from Kropyvnytskyi celebrated his 101st birthday. 

Previously, the mother of the deceased pilot Stepan Tarabalka, who was dubbed the «Ghost of Kyiv», Natalia Tarabalka, joined the Corps of Military Chaplains.