Ukrainian F-16 pilot Maksym Ustymenko killed while repulsing record Russian aerial attack

A Ukrainian first-class pilot of a F-16 Fighting Falcon jet, Lt. Col. Maksym Ustymenko, was killed after shooting down seven Russian projectiles that targeted Ukraine on June 29, Ukraine’s Air Force reported.

During the attack, Ustymenko, 32, used the full range of his aircraft’s weaponry before being shot down. While engaging the final target, his jet was damaged and began to lose altitude.

He didn’t eject in time as he tried to navigate his damaged aircraft beyond populated areas. 

“Maksym Ustymenko did everything he could. He managed to steer the aircraft away from a populated area, but didn’t have time to eject… He died a hero,” the Air Force said in a statement.

The Air Force expressed sincere condolences to Ustymenko’s family. He is survived by his four-year-old son.

“Eternal flight, brother. You did everything you could,” they said.

His first class qualification level reflected his advanced skill, experience, and operational capability. 

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posthumously awarded Ustymenko the title of Hero of Ukraine and called him one of the nation’s finest pilots.

“Maksym had been fighting since the early days of the war in Donbas. He mastered four different aircraft types and achieved truly important results for Ukraine. It’s painful to lose people like him,” Zelenskyy said.

Ustymenko was a classmate of renowned Ukrainian pilot Andrii Pilshchykov, known by his callsign “Juice,” who died two years ago. Juice’s mother, Liliia Averianova, shared a tribute:

“Max was a man of steel. He always strove to be the best — to defend Ukraine in the best possible way. He was the brightest mind in their group, a brilliant IT specialist. But he also had strong wings. A deep sense of responsibility. And unwavering dedication.”

Russian forces launched a record number airborne barrage that saw long-range missiles and drones strike Ukraine, using various types of projectiles and attack UAVs, on the night of June 29. 

In total, Russia deployed more than 500 aerial threats that hit multiple regions, including the westernmost Lviv region. No fatalities were reported. 

The Ukrainian World Congress extended its deepest condolences to Maksym Ustymenko’s family and honored his courage, dedication, and patriotism in giving his life for Ukraine’s freedom.