Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky found himself at the center of a scandal after the publication of a video in which the faces of Ukrainian pilots undergoing training on F-16 fighter jets in Belgium are clearly visible. Zelensky’s visit to the Melsbrook base and subsequent publication caused a wave of indignation from Ukrainians, who accuse the president of carelessness and improper handling of information relating to the safety of military personnel.

A video released by Zelensky after the visit showed the faces of the pilots, which many critics said could put them in grave danger. With the ongoing conflict with Russia and a limited number of qualified pilots, such actions could have serious consequences.

Ukrainian commentators and public figures expressed their outrage on social networks, accusing the president of using pilots for personal PR. Some of them believe that such a mistake could lead to negative consequences both for the pilots themselves and for the entire Ukrainian aviation.