A fighter pilot hailed as a hero of Ukraine for his dogfights over Kyiv throughout the early part of Russia's invasion has been killed in a mid-air crash.

Major Andrii Pilshchykov and two different airmen have been killed within the collision, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed in his nightly video handle on Saturday (August 26). The crash concerned two Aero L-39 Albatros coaching jets flying over northern Ukraine.

A spokesman for Ukraine's Air Force described the deaths as "painful and irreparable" losses. Yurii Ihnat paid particular tribute to Pilshchykov, who used the decision signal "Juice", describing him as a pilot with "mega knowledge and mega talent".

Ihnat mentioned Pilshchykov performed an instrumental function in securing F-16 fighter jets from Ukraine's allies - including that "but now that American planes are actually on the horizon, he will not fly them".

Last week the Pentagon confirmed that English-language coaching for Ukrainians on working F-16s would start in Texas in September, with flight coaching anticipated to start in October in Arizona.

Ihnat mentioned: "A year ago in the USA, Andrii met with American government officials, brought up the urgent needs of the Air Force, was in constant contact with Californian pilots, and was the main driver of an advocacy group promoting many decisions on the F-16s [supply.

"During the struggle, he gave dozens of interviews to Western media as a result of he knew English properly, and crucial was the subject of dialog: what can and must be talked about for Ukraine!

"You can't even imagine how he wanted to fly on an F-16... but now that American planes are actually on the horizon, he will not fly them. Andrii Pilshchykov was not just a pilot, he was a young officer with great knowledge and great talent.

"He was a superb communicator, the driving force of reforms in Air Force plane, a participant in lots of initiatives. I typically supported his loopy concepts, which gave unimaginable outcomes!"

Zelensky also paid tribute to Pilshchykov and the other dead aircrew. He said: "Yesterday, a catastrophe occurred within the sky over Zhytomyr area. Three pilots died.

"Among them was Andriy Pilshchykov, call sign Juice. He was a Ukrainian officer, one of those who helped our country a lot. A lot! My condolences to the family and friends, to everyone who knew the guys.

"The investigation into what occurred is ongoing. It's too early to speak concerning the particulars. Of course, all of the circumstances can be clarified. Of course, Ukraine will always remember anybody who defended Ukraine's free sky. May they at all times be remembered!"