Ukraine's President Zelensky fired the Air Force head following the F-16 crash, possibly due to friendly fire from a Patriot missile. The loss of the F-16 is a blow to Ukraine's war effort and delivery of Western military aid. However, experts caution that the impact may be limited in the overall war effort. The country's ability to effectively use F-16s in combat missions may take years to develop. The recent Russian missile and drone strikes, including one in Kharkiv, highlight Ukraine's need for enhanced air defenses.