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In 2025, Ukrainian aircraft pilots played a crucial role in defending their nation during ongoing conflicts. The Mi-24 helicopter crew from the 12th Separate Army Aviation Brigade heroically stood their ground but was lost in a combat mission on December 17. The loss of Lieutenant Colonel Yevhenii Ivanov, a highly skilled navigator in the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade, marked yet another tragedy amidst these critical operations. Ukrainian pilots, such as those flying the MiG-29 and Su-27, consistently showcase their valor by performing complex maneuvers and intercepting enemy missiles. This year also saw continued international efforts in pilot training, with countries like the Czech Republic and the UK enhancing the strategic capabilities of Ukrainian forces. The narrative of pilots like Lieutenant Colonel Oleksandr Borovyk, who tragically lost his life during a mission, reflects the grave sacrifices made in pursuit of national security and peace.

What incident involved the Mi-24 helicopter crew in 2025?

The Mi-24 helicopter crew from the 12th Separate Army Aviation Brigade was tragically killed during a combat mission conducted on December 17, 2025. This incident highlights the critical and dangerous roles pilots take on in defending Ukraine from ongoing threats. These brave air crews are vital to the security efforts in contested regions and often pay the ultimate price in the protection of their nation.

What was significant about Lieutenant Colonel Yevhenii Ivanov's mission?

Lieutenant Colonel Yevhenii Ivanov, serving as a senior navigator in the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade, was killed during a crucial combat mission in 2025. Piloting a Su-27 aircraft, his mission was essential for coordinating aerial defense operations in Eastern Ukraine. The loss of Lt. Col. Ivanov underscores the challenges and risks faced by aircraft pilots working in high-tension combat environments.

How did Ukrainian pilots impact the defense against Russian missile attacks?

Ukrainian pilots have been instrumental in intercepting Russian missile threats. For example, a Ukrainian Mirage fighter pilot successfully destroyed a Kh-101 cruise missile during a widespread Russian assault. Such actions are critical in maintaining the defensive perimeter and protecting civilian areas from potential strikes. These pilots' expertise and quick actions significantly strengthen Ukraine's aerial defense capabilities.

What are some examples of international pilot training initiatives in 2025?

Throughout 2025, international collaborations have bolstered the training of Ukrainian pilots. The Czech Republic announced a program to train eight Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighters, aiming for completion by the year's end. Similarly, the UK has hosted pilot training sessions, accelerating their skills on new aircraft models. These initiatives are essential components of Ukraine's broader strategy to enhance its aerial defense infrastructure and foster international military cooperation.

Who was Lieutenant Colonel Oleksandr Borovyk, and what was his contribution?

Lieutenant Colonel Oleksandr Borovyk was a distinguished pilot and Hero of Ukraine who served in the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade. Known for his exemplary service, he, unfortunately, lost his life in September 2025 during a combat mission in the Zaporizhzhia sector. His contributions were pivotal in executing complex air operations and defending Ukrainian territories. His bravery and dedication remain an inspiration for future generations of military aviators.

How has the UK contributed to training Ukrainian pilots recently?

The UK has played a significant role in training Ukrainian pilots, part of a broader international effort to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities. This training included basic flight, ground, and language skills, preparing pilots for advanced combat and strategic missions. As a result, Ukrainian pilots have gained valuable experience and are better prepared for the challenges of modern aerial warfare.

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Ukrainian fighter crews strike Russian UAV operators Air Force fighter crews destroy concentration of Russian UAV operators. VIDEO Ukrainian Air Force crews carried out a precision air strike on a location housing Russian unmanned aerial vehicle operators. 1 324 4 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces

The Air Force destroyed Russian UAV operators Air strike on Russian UAV operators’ post: occupier was thrown out of building’s window by blast wave. VIDEO The Ukrainian Air Force has carried out another strike against Russian drone units on one section of the front line. 8 459 12 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Air operations of AFU

Ukrainian MiG-29s strike Russian military logistics routes Air Force MiG-29 crews destroyed occupiers’ crossings and bridges with GBU-39 bombs. VIDEO Ukrainian Air Force pilots carried out a series of air strikes on the logistics routes of the Russian occupation forces. 4 659 1 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Air operations of AFU

The Air Force destroyed Russian assault groups in Kostiantynivka Air Force fighter crews destroyed building housing occupiers’ assault groups in Kostiantynivka. VIDEO Pilots of the Ukrainian Air Force carried out a precision air strike on a concentration of Russian occupation forces in Kostiantynivka. 4 277 8 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Kostiantynivka direction Air operations of AFU

Ukrainian Su-27 jets strike Russian troops near Kostiantynivka Su-27 fighter pilots hit buildings housing occupiers’ assault groups with aerial bombs near Kostiantynivka. VIDEO Ukrainian Air Force pilots carried out a series of precision air strikes on concentrations of Russian assault groups in the Kostiantynivka sector. 5 350 9 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Kostiantynivka direction Air operations of AFU

Ukraine has received F-16 simulators Ukraine has received new batch of F-16 mobile simulators for pilot training, - Ministry of Defence. VIDEO Ukraine has received a new batch of F-16 mobile simulators. There are only a handful of such systems in the world. 1 242 2 Previously in trend: F-16 pilot training

Air Force MiG-29s struck the occupiers’ logistics with GBU munitions MiG-29 fighter crews of Air Force struck occupiers’ logistics route with two GBU aerial bombs. VIDEO MiG-29 fighter crews from the Ukrainian Air Force struck a logistics route used by Russian occupation forces. 4 087 1 Previously in trend: Destruction of Russian equipment Elimination of Russian occupying forces Strikes on Russian logistics Air operations of AFU

The Air Force and the 156th Mechanised Brigade struck the occupiers in Kostiantynivka Air Force struck building housing occupiers in Kostiantynivka, whilst FPV drone from 156th Separate Mechanised Brigade eliminated last Russian soldier. VIDEO The Ukrainian military carried out a joint operation involving aircraft and attack drones, striking a gathering of Russian troops in Kostiantynivka. 5 075 9 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Destruction of the occupiers’ firing positions Kostiantynivka direction

Air Force Su-27s struck Russian assault groups in Rodynske Crews of Air Force Su-27 fighter jets destroyed concentration of occupiers’ assault groups in Rodynske. VIDEO Crews of Su-27 fighter jets from the Ukrainian Air Force carried out a precision air strike on a concentration of Russian assault units in Rodynske. 4 269 2 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Air operations of AFU

The Air Force struck Russian assault groups and UAV positions Air Force shows series of air strikes on ruscists’ assault groups and Russian UAV control points. VIDEO Pilots of the Ukrainian Air Force carried out a series of high-precision air strikes on the occupiers’ military facilities in different sections of the front. 3 597 6 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Air operations of AFU

The Air Force struck a base of Russian GBU-62 UAV operators Air Force pilots destroy site of Russian UAV operators with GBU-62 bombs. VIDEO Ukraine’s Air Force carried out a precise airstrike on the location of Russian drone operators, who had been detected in time by Ukrainian intelligence. 4 152 7 Previously in trend: Destruction of Russian equipment Elimination of Russian occupying forces Air operations of AFU

Ukrainian jets hit Russian assault base in Kamyanske Ukrainian aircraft destroyed base of Russian assault groups and ammunition depot in Kamianske. VIDEO Ukrainian aircraft carried out a precision strike on a base for Russian assault groups and an ammunition depot in Kamianske. 3 367 5 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Air operations of AFU

The Ukrainian Air Force has destroyed a base used by Russian UAV operators Fighter pilots destroy base of Russian UAV operators with direct hit by aerial bomb. VIDEO Ukrainian aircraft carried out a precise strike on a building where Russian drone operators were based. 3 215 6 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Air operations of AFU

The crew of a Mi-8 helicopter were killed in the Poltava region on 30 June 2026 Crew of Mi-8 helicopter were killed whilst shooting down Russian drones in Poltava region. PHOTOS On 30 June 2026, whilst carrying out a combat mission in the Poltava region to intercept Russian drones, four crew members of a Mi-8 helicopter from the helicopter squadron of the 16th Separate Army Aviation Brigade "Brody" were killed. 13 445 26 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine

Destruction of a gathering of occupiers near Rodynske Ukrainian aviation destroys concentration site of occupiers and ammunition near Rodynske. VIDEO Fighter crews of the Ukrainian Air Force carried out an air strike on a site where Russian occupiers' manpower and ammunition were concentrated. 3 313 1 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Combat operations in the Pokrovsk direction Air operations of AFU

Su-27s destroyed the occupiers’ logistics bridge Su-27 fighter pilots destroyed bridge used by occupiers to transport equipment and attack aircraft. VIDEO Crews of Su-27 fighter jets from the Ukrainian Air Force carried out a precision air strike on a bridge that Russian troops were using to support their logistics operations. 10 404 13 Previously in trend: Strikes on Russian logistics Air operations of AFU

Mi-8MTV and Mi-8MTV-5 helicopters carried out strikes against Russia Pilots of Mi-8MTV and Mi-8MTV-5 helicopters strike occupiers’ positions with unguided aerial rockets. VIDEO Pilots of Mi-8MTV and Mi-8MTV-5 helicopters of the Ukrainian Air Force filmed footage of combat work against enemy positions. 2 934 2 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Air operations of AFU

AASM HAMMER strike destroys Russian assault troops Air Force fighter crews destroy concentration of Russian assault troops with AASM HAMMER bomb. VIDEO Fighter pilots of the Ukrainian Air Force carried out an airstrike on a concentration point of Russian troops. 3 323 3 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Elimination of Russian occupiers Air operations of AFU

A MiG-29 pilot shot down a Russian air target with an R-73 missile MiG-29 pilot destroys enemy aerial target with R-73 missile during night combat sortie. VIDEO Footage has been published online showing a Ukrainian Air Force pilot destroying an enemy aerial target. 2 990 2 Previously in trend: Shooting down Shaheds Air operations of AFU

Farewell to the pilots Ukraine bids farewell to pilot Bohdan Zahorulko and navigator Bohdan Babenko, who died in Su-24M crash in Khmelnytskyi region. PHOTOS Ukraine has bid farewell to 55-year-old test pilot Bohdan Zahorulko and 23-year-old navigator Bohdan Babenko, who died on June 16 in the crash of a Su-24M aircraft in the Khmelnytskyi region. 3 993 60 Previously in trend: Su-24M crashed in Khmelnytskyi region

The Air Force destroyed the deployment site of UAV operators Ukrainian air force destroyed the deployment site of Russian UAV operators. VIDEO The Ukrainian Air Force carried out a strike on a location where Russian UAV operators were stationed. 4 185 3 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Elimination of Russian occupiers

The Air Force used GBU-39 bombs to destroy infantry and UAV operators Air Force pilots destroy Russian infantry hideouts, UAV operators and fortifications with GBU-39 bombs. VIDEO Pilots of the Ukrainian Air Force carried out a series of air strikes on concentrations of Russian infantry, UAV operators, and enemy fortifications. 2 410 2 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Air operations of AFU

The Air Force destroyed the command post of the "Molniya" UAV Air Force pilots destroyed occupiers’ "Molniya" UAV command post using GBU-62 aerial bombs. VIDEO Crews of Ukrainian Air Force fighter jets carried out an air strike on a command post for the Russian occupiers’ ‘Molniya’ UAVs. 4 715 3 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Destruction of the occupiers’ firing positions

Ukraine receives ALTO NG aircraft for pilot training Ukraine receives 10 ALTO NG aircraft to train military pilots – Defence Ministry Ukrainian military pilots will master the skies on 10 new ALTO NG training aircraft, which Ukraine received thanks to the Air Force Capability Coalition, the Czech government, and the Dárek pro Putina charity fund. 1 949 2 Previously in trend: Aid to Ukraine from the Czech Republic

Su-27s destroyed a concentration of Russian infantry in Udachne Su-27 pilots destroyed Russian infantry concentration near Udachne. VIDEO Ukrainian Air Force pilots flying Su-27 fighter jets struck a concentration of Russian infantry near the village of Udachne in the Donetsk region. 6 351 17 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Elimination of Russian occupiers

MiG-29s destroyed the occupiers’ UAV command post MiG-29 fighter pilots struck Russian UAV command post along with its personnel. VIDEO Pilots from the Ukrainian Air Force carried out an air strike on an enemy UAV command post on one section of the front line. 3 479 3 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Air operations of AFU

MiG-29s carried out two air strikes on a concentration of occupiers MiG-29 crews destroyed a building housing a concentration of occupiers with two air strikes. VIDEO Crews of MiG-29 fighter jets from the Ukrainian Air Force struck a Russian military base on one section of the front line. 6 072 7 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Air operations of AFU

Ukrainian Su-24 Su-24M bomber crashed in Khmelnytskyi region: pilot and navigator killed In the Khmelnytskyi region, at around 7 pm on 16 June 2026, a Su-24M frontline bomber belonging to the 7th Tactical Aviation Brigade named after Petro Franko of the Ukrainian Air Force crashed. The crew were killed. 13 717 33 Previously in trend: losses of Ukraine Ukraine lost aircraft

MiG-29MU1s destroyed a Russian UAV operator base with AASM HAMMER bombs MiG-29 pilots destroyed Russian UAV operator base using AASM HAMMER bombs. VIDEO Pilots from the Ukrainian Air Force have struck a base housing Russian drone operators on one of the eastern sectors of the front line. 3 219 4 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Air operations of AFU

Crews of Su-27s from the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade destroyed a building housing occupiers with a missile strike. Crews of Su-27s from 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade destroyed gathering of occupiers. VIDEO Pilots from the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Force, flying Su-27 fighter jets, struck enemy personnel. 4 963 5 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Air operations of AFU

Su-27 fighter pilots carried out an air strike against Russian UAV operators Su-27 fighter pilots destroy positions of Russian UAV operators with GBU-39 bombs. VIDEO A video has been published online showing an air strike by the Ukrainian Air Force on a location where Russian UAV operators were stationed. 5 146 5 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Destruction of the occupiers’ firing positions

MiG-29 jets strike Russian UAV operators in Kursk region MiG-29 fighter crews hit Russian UAV operators’ position in Tyotkino, Kursk region, with AASM HAMMER bombs. VIDEO Crews of MiG-29 fighter jets of the Ukrainian Air Force carried out an airstrike on a concentration of occupiers in Russia’s Kursk region. 4 960 2 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Elimination of Russian occupiers

Air Force pilots struck the deployment site of Russian UAV operators MiG-29MU1 pilots destroy command post of Russian UAV operators with AASM HAMMER bombs. VIDEO Air Force crews of Ukraine’s Armed Forces carried out an airstrike on a command post of Russian drone operators located in one of the buildings. 3 641 2 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Air operations of AFU

Air Force fighter pilots, in coordination with the 34th Brigade’s reconnaissance unit, struck the occupiers in the Kherson region Fighter pilots, together with aerial reconnaissance of 34th Brigade, destroy Russian UAV operators’ and paratroopers’ post in Oleshky. VIDEO Pilots of the Air Force of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, together with aerial reconnaissance troops of the 34th Separate Marine Brigade, carried out an airstrike on a Russian troop position in Oleshky, Kherson region. 3 672 2 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces fightings in Kherson region

Air Force crews flying Su-27 fighters carried out an air strike on a concentration of occupiers Su-27 fighter pilots destroyed a building housing occupiers and UAV operators with two aerial bombs. VIDEO Pilots of the Ukrainian Air Force, flying Su-27 fighter jets, carried out an air strike on a Russian military concentration. 4 960 7 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Elimination of Russian occupiers

Su-27 pilots carried out an air strike on a building where occupiers were gathered Su-27 fighter pilots strike building where occupiers were massed: ammunition detonation amplifies blast. VIDEO Ukrainian Air Force pilots flying Su-27 fighter jets carried out a precision airstrike on a building where Russian infantry had gathered. 9 546 20 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Air operations of AFU

The Defence Forces’ air force carried out a series of strikes on the occupiers’ positions and fortifications Series of airstrikes on Russian positions: Ukrainian fighter jets burn out occupiers’ fortifications and hideouts. VIDEO A compilation of footage showing Ukrainian aviation strikes on Russian troop positions on one of the front-line directions has been published online. 4 275 7 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Air operations of AFU

F-16 shot down a Russian Kh-101 missile Ukrainian F-16 fighter intercepted Russian Kh-101 cruise missile during massive attack. VIDEO A video has been released online showing a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet intercepting a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile during one of the Russian Federation’s recent large-scale attacks. 7 915 8 Previously in trend: missile attack Air operations of AFU

MiG-29 shoots down Russian Shahed over Rivne Oblast MiG-29 fighter pilot catches up with and shoots down Russian Shahed over Rivne Oblast. VIDEO A video has been released online showing a local resident of Rivne Oblast filming the moment a Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet intercepted a Russian Shahed-type attack drone. 5 778 6 Previously in trend: Shooting down Shaheds Destruction of Russian drones Shahed attack on Rivne region

MiG-29MU1s destroyed a Russian occupiers’ hideout with GBU-39 bombs MiG-29MU1 pilots destroyed enemy building with GBU-39 bombs and eliminated at least 15 Russian invaders. VIDEO A video has been released online showing Ukrainian MiG-29MU1 fighter pilots carrying out a precision air strike on a Russian military base. 4 675 8 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces AFU aviation

Ukrainian pilots begin training on Swedish Gripen jets Ukrainian pilots have already begun training on Swedish Gripen jets Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel have already begun training on Swedish Gripen fighter jets. 2 236 61 Previously in trend: Gripen fighter jets for Ukraine

The Ukrainian Air Force struck the occupiers’ UAV command post Airstrike by MiG-29 fighter jet on enemy UAV command post in south. VIDEO The Air Force of Ukraine’s Armed Forces carried out an airstrike on an enemy UAV command post in temporarily occupied territory in the south. 5 508 4 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Destruction of the occupiers’ firing positions

A fighter pilot launched a missile strike on a concentration of enemy forces in a high-rise building Ukrainian fighter pilot launched two missile strikes on high-rise building housing occupiers. VIDEO Footage has been released online showing a Ukrainian Air Force pilot striking a concentration of occupying forces. 7 631 30 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces

Combat operations of the Ukrainian Air Force Pilots of 39th Brigade carry out combat missions on Su-27 fighters under threat from enemy air defenses. VIDEO Pilots of the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade flying Su-27 aircraft are carrying out combat missions in the most volatile areas along the front line. 4 293 2 Previously in trend: Destruction of Russian equipment Elimination of Russian occupying forces Air operations of AFU

Ukrainian fighter pilots struck the deployment site of Russian UAV operators Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jets struck shelter housing Russian drone operators in south of country. VIDEO Pilots of the Ukrainian Air Force have carried out strikes on a hideout used by Russian drone operators in the south of the country. 6 546 9 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Destruction of the occupiers’ firing positions missile attack

Ukrainian fighter pilots carried out a series of strikes on enemy shelters and personnel Footage of Ukrainian fighter jets striking occupiers’ shelters and logistics. VIDEO Ukrainian fighter pilots struck a number of Russian military targets in different sectors of the front, hitting the enemy’s infrastructure and personnel. 6 189 13 Previously in trend: Elimination of Russian occupying forces Destruction of the occupiers’ firing positions

Ukrainian pilots launched a missile strike on the occupiers’ command post in the Kherson region Air Force fighter pilot launched missile strike on Russian command post in Kherson region. VIDEO In the Kherson sector, the Ukrainian Air Force carried out an air strike on an underground command post belonging to Russian forces. 7 680 14 Previously in trend: missile attack

Mi-8 pilots shot down 12 Shaheds in three hours during the Russian attack One of Mi-8 crews of Naval Forces of AFU shot down 12 "Shaheds" in 3 hours. VIDEO During the March 24 attack, a crew of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Navy's Mi-8 helicopter spent three hours carrying out a mission to counter enemy attack drones, destroying a significant number of aerial targets. 6 224 15 Previously in trend: Shooting down Shaheds Destruction of Russian drones

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