A farewell ceremony for Maxim Ustimenko, an F-16 pilot who became a symbol of bravery, was held in Kyiv.

On July 3, mourners paid their respects at St. Michael's Cathedral and Independence Square for the fallen hero who died in the fight for Ukraine's freedom.

Maxim graduated from Kharkiv National Air Force University named after Ivan Kozhedub. Among his classmates were Andriy "Dzhus" Pilshchikov and Oleksiy "Munfish" Mes, who also lost their lives in combat.

As a lieutenant colonel and first-class pilot, he defended the country from the onset of the large-scale war.

Together with his comrades, he became part of the legend of the Ghost of Kyiv, repelling enemy attacks.

"Maxim was an exceptional pilot. He quickly mastered the MiG-29 and took down the first two cruise missiles over Obukhiv. His skills amazed everyone," reported the Air Command.

Maxim flew four different types of aircraft, showcasing high professionalism.

"The best pilots, like Maxim, are entrusted with cutting-edge aircraft. He possessed invaluable combat experience that even other countries lack," emphasized Yuriy Ihnat, head of the communications department of the Air Forces of Ukraine.

Sadly, on June 29, during an aerial assault, Maxim was killed after destroying 7 aerial targets, though his aircraft sustained severe damage.

He sacrificed his life to steer the aircraft to safety, unable to eject in time.

Maxim was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine. He is survived by his parents, brother, wife, and young son.