Kyiv bids farewell to fallen F-16 pilot Maksym Ustymenko
photos
Ukrinform
In Kyiv, a farewell ceremony was held for F-16 pilot Maksym Ustymenko, a Hero of Ukraine, who was killed while defending the country during a large-scale Russian air attack on the night of June 29.
According to an Ukrinform correspondent, the farewell ceremony took place at St. Michael’s Cathedral, attended by dozens of colleagues, friends, and family members. Following the service, mourners marched in solemn tribute to Maidan Nezalezhnosti, where the commemoration continued.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Ustymenko successfully shot down seven enemy air targets during the attack. His aircraft sustained critical damage while intercepting the final target. He steered the jet away from populated areas, but was unable to eject in time.
As reported, President Volodymyr Zelensky posthumously awarded Maksym Ustymenko the title of Hero of Ukraine.
