Maksym Ustymenko, the F‑16 pilot shot down by Russia, awarded Hero of Ukraine title
Ukrainian F-16 pilot Maksym Ustymenko, a seasoned aviator and combat veteran, was posthumously awarded the title Hero of Ukraine following his death in the country's largest-ever Russian aerial attack. Ustymenko downed seven targets before guiding his damaged aircraft away from civilians, marking a heroic final act
Maksym Ustymenko: a legacy of heroism in Ukraine's Air Force
Combat veteran and top-class aviator
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Final mission during largest Russian aerial attack
National mourning and recognition
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Growing role of F-16 pilots in Ukraine's defense
Maksym Ustymenko, a decorated Ukrainian F-16 pilot , was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine after he was killed intercepting Russia's largest missile and drone assault on June 29, 2025. He died after his F-16 was shot down by Russia and he tried to prevent his aircraft from crashing into a populated area.Born in 1993, Maksym Yuriiovych Ustymenko was a graduate of the Ivan Kozhedub National Air Force University and served in the Ukrainian Air Force since the early days of what Ukraine calls the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) in 2014. Ustymenko became one of Ukraine's most capable military aviators.Also read: World War 3 fear is back! Russia fires over 500 drones, missiles, Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilot killed, Kyi He was certified on four aircraft types and known for exceptional flight skills and mission precision. His colleagues regarded him as one of the finest tactical pilots in Ukraine's defense forces.On the night of June 28-29, 2025, Russia launched 537 aerial weapons against Ukraine, 477 drones and 60 missiles, in what officials described as the war's most intense air raid to date. Ustymenko took off in an F-16 Fighting Falcon, one of several recently delivered by NATO allies.According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Ustymenko successfully neutralized seven Russian aerial threats. His aircraft was hit during an engagement with the final target. In his last moments, he directed the failing jet away from residential areas, ultimately dying in the crash without ejecting. The Air Force described his actions as 'heroic,' stating, 'He died like a hero.'Also read: Russia seizes key lithium field in a dare for US-Ukraine minerals deal President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the death and posthumous award during his June 29 address, stating: 'It is painful to lose such people. My condolences to his family, relatives, friends, and comrades.' Ustymenko was also posthumously promoted to the rank of Colonel and awarded the Order 'Golden Star.'Ustymenko's death coincides with the loss of the fourth Ukrainian F-16 since their February 2024 deployment. Previous F-16 losses include pilots Pavlo Ivanov and others in April and May. His sacrifice follows that of classmate Andrii 'Juice' Pilshchykov, who died in 2022.He is survived by a four-year-old son. His widow's remarks, shared by the wife of fellow pilot Oleksiy 'Moonfish' Mes, expressed gratitude for his bravery and enduring legacy.The use of American-made F-16s has played a critical role in Ukraine's air defense strategy, significantly improving its ability to intercept Russian drones and missiles. During the June 29 attack, Ukraine downed 436 drones and 38 missiles, with F-16 pilots like Ustymenko at the forefront.This escalation in air warfare has intensified global discussions about advanced support for Ukraine. Officials warn that the scale and sophistication of recent Russian attacks demonstrate the continued need for air defense capabilities.Also read: Pokrovsk in peril? Tensions surge as 111,000 Russian troops gather near Ukraine's frontline hotspot President Zelenskyy emphasized that pressure on Russia and further international aid remain critical: 'Putin long ago decided he would keep waging war. This war must be brought to an end.'
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