On the night of June 29, 2025, Russian invaders once again launched a massive rocket and drone strike on Ukraine, resulting in the tragic loss of hero, first-class pilot Colonel Maksym Ustimenko.

This information was confirmed by the Air Forces.

Quote: "Unfortunately, we are faced with another painful loss. Last night, while repelling a large-scale air assault by the enemy, first-class pilot Colonel Maksym Ustimenko, born in 1993, was killed in action on an F-16 aircraft. The pilot managed to shoot down seven enemy targets using the full range of onboard weapons."

During the last engagement, his aircraft sustained damage and began to lose altitude. Maksym Ustimenko did everything possible to redirect the aircraft away from populated areas, but he was unable to eject."

Details: According to military reports, Russia launched over 500 aerial targets during the night.

The F-16s, in particular, destroyed dozens of "Shahids" drones.