In Memoriam

1st Class Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustymenko

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1st Class Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustymenko

29 June 2025

The Ukrainian Air Force has lost one of its finest aviators. Lt. Col. Maksym Yuriiovych Ustymenko was killed on June 16, 2025, while heroically defending Ukraine during a large-scale Russian missile and drone strike.

Born in 1993, Ustymenko graduated from the Ivan Kozhedub National Air Force University and began serving in the Ukrainian Air Force at the onset of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) in 2014. Over the years, he rose to become one of Ukraine’s most capable military pilots—certified on four different aircraft types and widely respected for his tactical precision and outstanding flight skills.

Flying an F-16 Fighting Falcon during the June 16 attack, Ustymenko successfully destroyed seven incoming air threats. His aircraft sustained damage after the final engagement. Despite rapidly losing altitude, he steered the jet away from populated areas, ultimately sacrificing his life. There was no time to eject.

Lt. Col. Ustymenko was among a small, elite group of Ukrainian pilots trained to fly the F-16, and his loss is deeply felt within the Air Force and the nation. His colleagues described him as a dedicated officer, a top-class professional, and a true defender of Ukraine’s skies.

We honor his life, service, and selfless sacrifice.
Blue skies, forever.

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