Final Farewell to Mi-8 Crew Who Died Intercepting Enemy Drones

Farewell to the Mi-8 Helicopter Crew

According to Главком: On July 7, 2024, the Brody community will bid a final farewell to the crew of an Mi-8 helicopter from the 16th Separate Army Aviation Brigade "Brody." The four servicemen lost their lives on June 30 while carrying out a combat mission to intercept enemy drones near the village of Starytskivka in the Poltava district. The tragedy claimed the following individuals:

• Captain Yurii Voron
• Major Valentyn Mukshynov
• Senior Lieutenant Bohdan Khmil
• Junior Sergeant Mykhailo Deriaga

Details About the Fallen

Captain Yurii Voron, the crew commander, was born on June 29, 1996, in the city of Brody. He graduated from the Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National University of the Air Force and was awarded the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, II and III degrees, as well as the Order of Danylo Halytskyi.

Major Valentyn Mukshynov, a pilot-navigator, was born on May 29, 1991, in Kyiv. He studied at the Chernihiv Military Lyceum and the Kharkiv National University of the Air Force, and was a full holder of the Order "For Courage."

Senior Lieutenant Bohdan Khmil, a flight engineer, was born on September 20, 2000, in the city of Vasylkiv, Kyiv region. He graduated from the Kharkiv National University of the Air Force with a degree in Aviation Transport and began his service with the 16th Separate Brigade in March 2022. Khmil received the Presidential Award "For the Defense of Ukraine."

Junior Sergeant Mykhailo Deriaga, an aerial gunner, was born on February 3, 1989, in the village of Andriivka, Poltava region. He served with the 16th Separate Brigade starting in November 2023 and was awarded the Presidential Decoration "For the Defense of Ukraine" and the Order "For Courage," III degree.

The farewell ceremony will begin on July 7 at 9:30 AM at the Heroes' Alley in Brody, followed by a memorial service at the Church of the Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross. The Brody City Council noted:

"They fulfilled their military duty to the very end, protecting the Ukrainian sky, covering our infantry, supporting combat units, and saving the lives of Ukrainian soldiers."

It was also emphasized that "their courage, professionalism, and self-sacrifice will forever remain in the memory of a grateful nation."

This tragedy underscores the immense price Ukrainian servicemen pay to defend their country. As the community honors the fallen, the ceremony on July 7 will draw attention not only from local residents but from across the nation, highlighting the importance of solidarity during difficult times. The loss of such skilled professionals as this crew raises urgent questions about the security and defense challenges Ukraine faces amid ongoing hostilities.

As communities across Ukraine come together to honor their fallen heroes, the recent farewell in Uzhhorod for a soldier missing in action for over 18 months highlights the deep sense of loss felt nationwide. Such ceremonies not only commemorate the bravery of those who served but also remind us of the ongoing sacrifices made by military personnel and their families. To learn more about another poignant farewell, read about the tribute to a soldier who was missing for an extended period here.