Zelensky awards the title of Hero of Ukraine posthumously to F-16 pilot Maxim Ustimenko

The title of Hero of Ukraine was awarded posthumously to F-16 pilot Maxim Ustimenko

According to glavcom.ua: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine posthumously to F-16 pilot Maxim Ustimenko. As reported by 'Glavkom', the corresponding decree appeared on the president's website.

'For personal courage and heroism displayed in the defense of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, selfless service to the Ukrainian people, I decree:

To award the title of Hero of Ukraine with the Order of 'Golden Star' to Ustimenko Maxim Yurievich - Colonel (posthumously),' the text of the document states.

Recall that during the night, reflecting a massive air attack from the Russian Federation, pilot 1st class Lieutenant Colonel Maxim Ustimenko died in an F-16. 'Unfortunately, we now have another painful loss. Last night, while repelling a massive air attack from the enemy, pilot 1st class Lieutenant Colonel Maxim Ustimenko, born in 1993, died in an F-16. The pilot used the entire range of onboard weapons, shooting down seven aerial targets. During the execution of the last mission, his aircraft was damaged and began to lose altitude,' the Air Forces reported.

Zelensky also reacted to the death of F-16 pilot Maxim Ustimenko: 'Today he destroyed seven aerial targets. My condolences to the family and fellow soldiers. I ordered to clarify all the circumstances of his death. The Ukrainian aviation heroically defends the sky. Thank you to everyone who protects Ukraine.'

Responses to the death

It is known that F-16 pilot Maxim Ustimenko, who died while repelling an air attack from the Russians on June 29, was a classmate of Hero of Ukraine Andrei (Dzhus) Pilshchikov, who died two years ago.

'Max, a guy made of steel. Always striving to be the best. Best of all to defend Ukraine. He was the super-intellect of the group, an excellent programmer. But he had large, strong wings. A great responsibility. A great devotion to the cause,' wrote Liliya Averyanova.

Causes of the aircraft damage

Earlier, test pilot Colonel of the Ukrainian Air Force Oleksandr Lykhodid stated that the causes of damage to the Ukrainian F-16 aircraft on the night of June 29, as a result of which pilot Maxim Ustimenko died, could have been a collision with fragments of an enemy target, 'friendly fire' or a technical failure.

Pilot F-16 Maxim Ustimenko was awarded the deserved title of Hero of Ukraine for his courage and selfless service in the defense of the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Unfortunately, the loss of this serviceman has become another painful moment for Ukraine, but his actions and dedication convincingly testify to the heroism of Ukrainian soldiers in the fight against aggression.