12/20/2025
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced his intention to change the head of the South Air Command. The Supreme Commander-in-Chief made this personnel decision against the backdrop of intensified Russian attacks on the Odessa region.
In particular, the president stated that the Russians have intensified shelling of the Odessa region to intimidate the region’s residents. The corresponding statements were made on December 20, during Volodymyr Zelensky’s communication with representatives of the mass media.
Strengthening air defense in the Odessa region
According to the Ukrainian leader, the Russians want to morally destabilize Odessa residents by depriving them of fuel and products. But Ukraine will fight for the logistics of each region, emphasized Volodymyr Zelensky.
He reported on plans to strengthen the air defense of the Odessa region and replace the head of the “South” Air Command, Dmytro Karpenko.
“Today I discussed the issue of replacing the commander of the PvK “Pivden” Karpenko. I think they will find another candidate. Because we need to react in a timely manner, quickly, no matter how difficult it is for us. We need to protect people as much as possible, protect Odessa and our other regions as much as possible,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Who are we talking about?
Major General of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Dmytro Karpenko previously held the position of Chief of the Anti-Aircraft Missile Forces of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from 2012 to 2018. After that, he was appointed Chief of Staff, First Deputy Commander of the Air Command “West”.
In 2022, Karpenko was appointed commander of the South Air Command.
The general holds the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi of the 2nd degree, Bohdan Khmelnytskyi of the 3rd degree, and Danylo Halytskyi.
Erdogan should ask
In general, the Ukrainian leader forwarded the question of why the aggressors increased the number of strikes on the Odessa region and the Black Sea region to the Turkish president.
“To be honest, President Erdogan has always supported Ukraine, our territorial integrity, and he has good relations with Putin. It is desirable that President Erdogan himself ask this question to Putin – why is he constantly attacking the corridor, specifically the food corridor, for which we all fought so hard?” – noted the Ukrainian leader.
What preceded
A Russian reconnaissance drone “Orlan-10” was discovered in the Turkish province of Kocaeli . The drone was found in a practically intact condition within the city of Izmit, just fifty kilometers from Istanbul. Experts, given the place where the device fell, believe that the Russian drone was launched from the occupied Crimea to scout the Black Sea.
Also recently, Turkish military personnel shot down a UAV that was flying “uncontrolled” over the Black Sea and approaching the country’s airspace . An F-16 fighter jet was scrambled to eliminate the target.
That’s a good decision. Dmytro Karpenko seems quite incompetent. Or is he even a roach agent?
Bingo!