On July 3rd, a farewell was held in Kyiv for Maxim Ustyimenko, an F-16 pilot who lost his life while performing combat missions.

He graduated from the Kharkiv National University of the Air Force, where he studied alongside other remarkable pilots who also perished.

Maxim was a lieutenant colonel and an exceptional pilot who defended Ukraine from enemy attacks in the early days of the war.

He became part of the legendary Ghost of Kyiv, carrying out his mission with great courage.

According to his colleagues, Maxim mastered the MiG-29 excellently and destroyed the first two cruise missiles over Obukhiv.

He also quickly adapted to the F-16 and flew the Gripen, showcasing incredible skills.

Tragically, during the attack on June 29th, he was killed while destroying seven aerial targets but lost control of his aircraft.

Maxim sacrificed his life to prevent civilian casualties and was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine.

He is survived by his parents, brother, wife, and young son.