Defense chief on Air Force Day: Reality proves that “for you, the impossible is possible”

He noted this in a Facebook posting on the occasion of Air Force Day, Ukrinform reports.

"Thousands of Russian enemy missiles, drones, warplanes, and helicopters did not reach their targets and did not hit them thanks to the Ukrainian defenders of the sky. Consider these worrying statistics: since the invasion, more than 825 air raid alerts have gone off in Kyiv alone. Over the past day, the Russians fired at Ukraine 40 Kalibr missiles, Kh-101/Kh-555 missiles, three Kinzhal missiles, and 27 Iranian-made Shahed-136/131 strike drones. Most of these enemy weapons did not make it. And therefore they could not kill and destroy," Reznikov said.

He emphasized that "the great role to this end is played by our Air Force, which is celebrating its professional holiday today."

"It was they who, in the first hours and days of Russia’s full-scale invasion did not allow the invaders to dominate the Ukrainian skies, being among the first to engage in an unequal battle with the occupiers," Reznikov said.

According to the minister, "with a cold mind, they analyze enemy’s actions, make timely conclusions, demonstrate the efficiency in air battles given a significant technological superiority of the enemy's anti-aircraft defenses and aviation."

"All this time you’ve been defending Ukraine from the air, sacrificing yourself. Reality proves every day that for you, the impossible is possible! No one did and does not know how to fly, detect and engage targets like you! The first downing of the Russian hypersonic Kinzhal missile in history. There is no need to remind whose pitch-perfect result it is," said the minister.

He emphasized that the records set by Ukrainian pilots are of an unprecedented scale, being a source of incredible admiration and pride.

"Lieutenant Colonel Rostislav Lazarenko, an Air Force attack pilot who made more than 300 sorties and already surpassed the record of the legendary ace of the World War 2 era Ivan Kozhedub.

Strong, motivated, tireless, professional and courageous. Keep up your work in the same spirit because you support the faith of Ukrainians in a peaceful future. Glory to the Ukrainian Air Force and eternal memory to those who will forever rest in peace..." Reznikov noted.

On the first Sunday of August, Ukraine celebrates its Air Force Day.