Zelensky Awarded F-16 Pilot Ustymenko The Title Of Hero Of Ukraine

Maxim Ustimenko died on Sunday night while repelling a Russian Federation air attack.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on Sunday, June 29, issued a decree awarding pilot 1st class, Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustymenko the title Hero of Ukraine.

The corresponding decree No. 444/2025 appeared on the website of the Ukranta Presidential Office.

"For personal courage and heroism shown in defense of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, selfless service to the Ukrainian people, I decide to confer the title of Hero of Ukraine with awarding the Order of the Gold Star to Maxim Yurievich Ustimenko - Colonel (posthumously)," the decree reads.

Earlier on June 29, the Air Force of the AFU reported that Maxim Ustimenko died on Sunday night, repelling an air attack by the Russian Federation.

"The pilot used the full range of onboard weapons, shot down seven air targets. While practicing the last one, his plane was damaged and began to lose altitude. Maxim Ustimenko did his best, drove the machine away from the populated area, but he did not have time to eject," the AFU said.

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