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Ukrainian F-16 Pilot Maksym Ustymenko, 32, Killed After Shooting Down Seven Targets in Russian Drone and Missile Attack

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Published Jul 3, 2025, 11:20 AM

Ukrainian Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustymenko was killed during a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack on the night of June 29, 2025. Ustymenko, a first-class pilot aged 32, was flying an F-16 fighter jet when it was hit and began losing altitude. Before the crash, he successfully shot down seven Russian aerial targets, including suicide drones and cruise missiles, using the full range of his onboard weapons. Despite efforts to steer the damaged aircraft away from populated areas, he was unable to eject in time.

This incident marks the third known loss of a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet since Russia's invasion in 2022. The attack involved hundreds of Russian drones, including Iranian-made Shahed models, and approximately 60 missiles. President Volodymyr Zelensky posthumously awarded Ustymenko the title of Hero of Ukraine for his actions during the defense. The Ukrainian military confirmed the loss of the pilot and the aircraft amid intensified nighttime air assaults by Moscow in the ongoing conflict.

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Defense of Ukraine

@DefenceU

Vitalii was a warehouse worker with a dream: a house and time with his kids. Now he defends Ukraine’s skies. He’s shot down two Shaheds. Every time he takes aim, he thinks of his three children. His mission: protect their future. His dream: peace. 📷: 39th Tactical Aviation

UNITED24 Media

@United24media

🕯️ Kyiv honored the memory of Maksym Ustymenko, an F-16 fighter jet who was killed while repelling a Russian attack on Sunday. He is survived by his wife and 4-year-old son. 📷: hromadske

Lord Bebo

@MyLordBebo

🇺🇦🇬🇧🇷🇺 A British mercenary was killed in Ukraine. He believed Ukraine deserved freedom to oppress the Russian speaking minority and Ukraine should be allowed to bomb Donbass as much as it wants! Ben "Budgie" Burgess, 33, from Portsmouth, died on 20 June while operating drones

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