Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, the Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, has expressed his gratitude towards the sergeants responsible for combating Russian Shahed kamikaze drones. On 18 November, which is celebrated as Sergeant’s Day in Ukraine, a video showcasing the sergeants’ combat work was released.
Lieutenant General Oleshchuk took to Telegram to convey his appreciation for the sergeants, particularly those leading the mobile fire groups that engage the enemy drones every night. He commended their dedication and showcased their relentless efforts in a video, allowing the entire country to witness their tireless work.
The featured video highlights the accomplishment of senior soldier Mykola Salabuda, an anti-aircraft gunner with the Kherson Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade. In the footage, Salabuda successfully destroys a Russian UAV using a man-portable air defense system. This marked his first time engaging a target and successfully shooting it down.
The video release comes in the wake of a Russian attack on Ukraine during the night of 17-18 November. Multiple waves of Shahed UAVs were launched by Russia, but the Ukrainian Defense Forces managed to intercept and shoot down 29 of the 38 kamikaze drones.
Sergeant’s Day is a significant holiday in Ukraine, established on 18 November 2019 by former President Petro Poroshenko. It serves as a tribute to the invaluable contributions of sergeants within the Ukrainian armed forces.
Lieutenant General Oleshchuk’s acknowledgment of the sergeants’ efforts and the release of the combat video serve as a testament to the Ukrainian Air Force’s commitment to defending their nation against enemy threats.
