In Kyiv, a farewell was held for F-16 pilot Maxim Ustimenko, who died on the night of June 29 while defending the skies of Ukraine from a massive air attack by the Russian Federation.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Defense During the Night Attack
At St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral in the capital, family, comrades, and concerned citizens gathered to bid farewell to first-class pilot 32-year-old Maxim Ustimenko. He died on the night of June 29 when the Russian Federation launched a large-scale air assault using a record number of missiles and drones.
It is known that Maxim Ustimenko shot down seven enemy aerial targets during this attack. While carrying out his mission, his fighter jet sustained serious damage, causing the aircraft to lose altitude. The pilot attempted to save the plane and steer it away from populated areas, but he did not have time to eject.
“Maxim Ustimenko did everything possible to steer the aircraft away from the populated area, but he did not have time to eject… He died as a Hero!” – noted the Air Force.
Honoring the Memory of the Hero
On June 29, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree posthumously awarding Maxim Ustimenko the highest state title – Hero of Ukraine – for his courage and self-sacrifice during the execution of his combat mission.
The deceased pilot is survived by a four-year-old son. The community expresses deep condolences to the family and loved ones of the defender, who saved civilians at the cost of his own life and demonstrated heroism in service.