That's the story but may not be the real story. I would not assume the pilots were Ukrainian.
Senator Lindsey Graham issued a press release last month that he and "Da Nang Dick" Blumenthal supported Zelensky's call for retired NATO F-16 pilots to fly for Ukraine.
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=DB12ABDA-0E2C-4CD8-A5C2-D38B10837851
"We will introduce the Stand With Ukraine Act, led by Senator Blumenthal, when the Senate reconvenes in September."
"President Zelensky told us both that he would be looking to supplement his Air Force by establishing a program to enlist retired NATO F-16 fighter pilots. We support this effort. Ukraine is already fielding units of freedom fighters on the ground, and this volunteer force should be replicated in the air."
Did you see this?
“The media blackout was exploded by the wife of the US serviceman killed on the ground in the operation.”
https://x.com/novembersixty3/status/1839322574339379473?s=46&t=oXM3QUNDayEotvdo1W-zQA