Zelenskyy Awards Posthumous Hero of Ukraine Title to Pilot Ustymenko

In a solemn acknowledgment of bravery, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine, along with the Order of the Gold Star, to Colonel Maksym Ustymenko, who tragically lost his life while defending Ukrainian airspace. Source: Presidential decree dated June 29; Zelenskyy’s evening address Quote from the decree: "For personal courage and heroism displayed in defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and for selfless service to the Ukrainian people, I hereby decree: The title of Hero of Ukraine with the Order of the Gold Star shall be conferred posthumously on Colonel Maksym Yuriiovych Ustymenko." Quote from Zelenskyy: "I have just signed a decree awarding the title of Hero of Ukraine to Maksym Ustymenko – a Ukrainian pilot, one of our best. Sadly, posthumously. Today he was killed defending our skies and our people during yet another large-scale Russian attack – more than 500 attack drones and missiles were launched in a single night. Most of them were shot down." Colonel Ustymenko played a significant role in aerial defense, engaging in combat since the inception of the Anti-Terrorist Operation, which spanned from 2014 to 2018. A highly skilled aviator, he had mastered four different types of aircraft and made important contributions to Ukraine’s defense efforts. Expressing his sorrow, Zelenskyy remarked, "It is painful to lose people like him. My condolences to his family, loved ones, friends and comrades. Eternal memory!" Background: Colonel Ustymenko, a distinguished F-16 pilot, was killed in action during a coordinated missile and drone strike that occurred on the night of June 28-29. In response to his death, Zelenskyy has initiated an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.