In the eastern direction, a Hero of Ukraine, Colonel Oleksandr Dovhach, commander of the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, was killed. The pilot performed hundreds of combat sorties and participated in key operations during the full-scale war. This is reported by BBC Ukraine.
Oleksandr Dovhach was killed on a combat mission
The Air Forces noted that Colonel Dovhach was one of the most experienced combat pilots. From the first days of the Russian invasion, his brigade carried out combat operations and struck enemy positions.
According to military information, the pilot completed hundreds of combat sorties and participated in battles in various regions of Ukraine:
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defense of the Kyiv region;
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combat actions in Kharkiv region;
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operations in Kherson region;
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performing tasks in the Snake Island area.
The Air Forces emphasized that the pilot also covered strike and bomber aviation and destroyed enemy drones and missiles.
Commander of the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade
The Head of the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration Vitaliy Bunechko emphasized that Dovhach was not only a commander but also a mentor for young pilots.
«His heroism in extremely difficult conditions, where every flight borders on the impossible, evokes deep respect and at the same time unspeakable pain», — he wrote.
It is known that Oleksandr Dovhach served as a fighter pilot in the brigade stationed in Kyiv region, as well as in the 831st Myrhorod Tactical Aviation Brigade in Poltava region. Later, he headed the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade.
Even before the full-scale war, the pilot performed combat missions during the anti-terrorist operation in eastern Ukraine.
Dovhach previously mentioned that he always tried to take on the most challenging tasks.
«When I see that the task is very risky, I try to go myself. The commander of the brigade must set an example», — he noted.
It is recalled that in July 2025, on the front pilot Kostyantyn Oborin was killed.