Over 5.5 thousand air targets downed by Ukrainian defenders since war started – Zelensky

The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky while delivering his speech on the occasion of the Day of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, an Ukrinform correspondent reports, referring to the Office of the President of Ukraine.

“Today we are celebrating an important day for our beloved Ukraine – the professional day of the forces whose main task is to save lives. And the servicemen of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine honorably fulfill this important task, achieve the powerful results our state needs and gain real glory for each and every one of us, for the whole of Ukraine,” the Head of State said, addressing the servicemen of Ukraine’s Air Force.

Zelensky mentioned that, during the war, Ukrainian pilots carried out more than 14,000 combat missions. Ukraine’s Air Force shot down more than 3.5 thousand aircraft, helicopters and missiles of Russian occupiers, and more than 2 thousand enemy combat drones.

“I thank all of you, Ukrainian warriors, for every downed Russian missile and every destroyed enemy drone,” the President of Ukraine stressed.

Separately, Zelensky noted the important success of Ukraine’s Air Force in destroying Russian Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, with which Russia had long tried to intimidate not only Ukraine, but also Europe and the whole world.

“This cult has been debunked forever. Our warriors have clearly proved that if the defenders of life have the Cossack character, our domestic air defense systems, and the air defense systems of our partners, then the terrorists do not stand a chance. No ‘Kinzhal’ will help Moscow,” Zelensky stated.

According to the Head of State, Ukraine is working every day to create a reliable sky shield for the country, which can become the basis of a sky shield for the whole of Europe.

“And it is only a matter of time before we have F-16s in the Ukrainian skies, which will add even more power to our defense. The Ukrainian Air Force has already become the most powerful in all the years of its existence, and it will become even more powerful,” Zelensky added.

In his words, any equipment is worth something only in the hands of brave, worthy and professional warriors, such as the Air Force servicemen.

Since the beginning of the Russian aggression, 42 defenders of Ukrainian skies have been awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine, and 26 of them posthumously. State awards were presented to 3,198 servicemen of the Air Force, and 280 of them posthumously.

The attendees observed a minute of silence in memory of the Air Force servicemen who gave their lives for Ukraine.

President Zelensky also expressed gratitude to everyone in the world who helps protect Ukrainian skies and human lives.