Ukraine’s Air Force confirmed that Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustymenko, a 29-year-old pilot and a former member of the Ukrainian Air Force, was killed during a massive Russian aerial attack on June 29. According to the Air Force statement, Ustymenko, flying a U.S.-made F-16 fighter jet, shot down at least seven aerial targets, including drones and missiles, during the attack. The damage to his aircraft reportedly occurred while trying to intercept the last target, leading to a loss of altitude and a fatal crash.
The attack, which included 537 aerial targets—477 drones and 60 missiles—was the largest of its kind, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. In a statement, the Air Force praised Ustymenko for his valor, noting that he attempted to maneuver the plane away from a civilian settlement before it crashed. The incident highlights the high risks faced by Ukrainian pilots in intercepting Russian attacks.
Presidents Volodymyr Zelensky honored Ustymenko with the Hero of Ukraine posthumously, expressing deep sorrow over the loss. Zelensky’s address, which detailed the scale of the attack, also pointed out that Russia has launched over 2,700 Shahed-type drones in June alone, with nearly 10% of all attacks attributed to these drones. Despite the dangers, Ukraine continues to deploy F-16 jets in its effort to counter the Russian aerial assault.
The Air Force also emphasized the importance of international support, noting that Ukraine has received its first batch of F-16 jets in the summer of 2024 and that the pilots have undergone extensive training abroad as part of the effort to counter Russian air threats. The incident serves as yet another reminder of the escalating conflict in Ukraine and the sacrifices of those defending the country’s skies.