Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation is continuing to establish the circumstances of the Su-24M aircraft crash in Khmelnytskyi region, which killed two servicemen. Investigators have already questioned witnesses, received DNA examination results and denied reports that one of the pilots allegedly ejected. This was reported by the SBI.
The crash occurred on June 16, 2026. According to investigators, the flight during which the Su-24M crashed was already the aircraft’s second flight that day.
The SBI said technical personnel of the military unit had found no issues with the aircraft’s condition either before the first flight or before the next one. All service documentation had been completed in accordance with the required procedures.
Investigators also confirmed that the pilots were carrying out a combat mission. The details of that mission are known to the investigation but are not being disclosed for reasons of national security.
The SBI separately denied information circulating online that one of the pilots had allegedly ejected. The bureau stressed that these reports are not true.
As part of the investigation, dozens of people have already been questioned, including family members of the fallen servicemen, commanders and fellow service members.
According to witnesses, both servicemen underwent the required medical examination before the flight, had no health complaints and were in good spirits. They were described as professional military personnel who were respected by their colleagues.
Investigators have also found no problems in the servicemen’s family lives that could be relevant to the investigation.
According to the results of molecular genetic testing, the DNA of the deceased has been identified, confirming the identities of the servicemen.
A separate internal investigation by the command of the Ukrainian Air Force is also ongoing. Once it is completed, an independent aviation and technical examination will be ordered.
The pre-trial investigation is being conducted under Part 2 of Article 416 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code — violation of flight rules or preparation for flights that caused a crash or other serious consequences.
Procedural supervision is being carried out by the Khmelnytskyi Specialized Prosecutor’s Office in the Defense Sector of the Western Region.
