Moscow (Agencies): A Danish pilot and instructor, Jepp Hansen, has reportedly been killed in a Russian missile strike on a Ukrainian training center in Krivoy Rog, according to Russian news agency TASS. Hansen was involved in training Ukrainian pilots to operate F-16 fighter jets.
Sources within Russian law enforcement claim that Hansen died during an attack targeting a former university building in the Dnepropetrovsk Region. The building, converted into a military facility by Ukrainian forces, was reportedly struck by an Iskander missile. Reports indicate the structure sustained severe damage, with the upper floors almost completely destroyed.
Hansen, described by Russian media as an experienced F-16 pilot, had allegedly trained “hundreds of Ukrainians” to fly the advanced fighter jets. His death has not yet been officially confirmed by Denmark or the Russian Defense Ministry.
This incident comes amid increasing Western support for Ukraine’s air capabilities. Last year, Denmark and the Netherlands delivered 20 F-16 jets to Ukraine, with plans for additional deliveries through 2025. Other nations, including Norway, Belgium, and Greece, have also pledged to supply the jets.
Moscow has condemned the supply of Western arms to Ukraine, calling it an escalation that will prolong the conflict without altering its outcome. Russian officials have previously warned that providing Ukraine with F-16s represents a direct challenge to Russia’s security.
As the conflict continues, the death of a foreign instructor highlights the growing international involvement in the war and raises further concerns over the intensification of hostilities.