On June 30, the Ukrainian sky witnessed a tragedy. While carrying out a combat mission to intercept enemy drones, a Mi-8 helicopter crashed. As a result of the disaster, four servicemen protecting the country's airspace perished. This is reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing the Brody City Council.
The helicopter crew, part of the 16th Separate Army Aviation Brigade "Brody," was performing a mission to cover infantry and support units in various directions. In this final battle, four people died, whose names will now forever remain in the history of the struggle for Ukraine's independence.
Captain Yuri Voron: A Dream Become Duty
The crew commander was Captain Yuri Voron. Born in Brody, he dreamed of becoming a military pilot since childhood. He realized his dream after graduating from the Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National University of Air Forces. Voron was the senior pilot of the helicopter link and went through the path from participating in the Joint Forces Operation to dozens of combat sorties after the start of the full-scale invasion.
For his courage and heroism, he was awarded the Bohdan Khmelnytsky Order of II and III degrees, as well as the Danylo Halytsky Order. In Brody, his wife, son, and parents mourn him.
Major Valentin Mukshinov: Full Knight of the Order "For Courage"
The pilot-navigator of the crew was Major Valentin Mukshinov. Born in Kyiv, he received his military education at the Chernihiv Military Lyceum and became the senior navigator-pilot of the helicopter squadron. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Mukshinov has carried out combat missions in various operational directions.
His contribution to the country's defense is marked by a full set of awards of the Order "For Courage." In Kyiv, his wife, daughter, son, parents, and sister mourn him.
Senior Lieutenant Bohdan Khmel: A Technician Who Became a Hero
The onboard aviation technician was Senior Lieutenant Bohdan Khmel. Born in Vasylkiv, Kyiv region, he studied the specialty "Aviation Transport" at the same Kozhedub University. He joined the ranks of the 16th Brigade in March 2022.
Khmel was responsible for preparing the equipment for combat sorties and repeatedly participated in missions as part of the crew himself. For his merits, he was awarded the Presidential distinction "For the Defense of Ukraine." In Vasylkiv, his wife and parents mourn him.
Junior Sergeant Mykhailo Deryaha: Defender from the First Days
The aerial gunner in the crew was Junior Sergeant Mykhailo Deryaha. Born in the village of Andriivka, Poltava region, he received his education at the Mariupol Construction Professional College. He joined the army in November 2023 and immediately began carrying out combat tasks to protect the airspace.
Deryaha was awarded the Presidential distinction "For the Defense of Ukraine" and the Order "For Courage" of III degree. In the Poltava region, his wife, son, father, and brother mourn him.
Farewell to the Heroes
The Brody community will say goodbye to the fallen defenders on July 7. At 9:30, the cortege will be met on the Alley of Heroes, after which a farewell ceremony will take place at the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Life-Giving Cross. This event will be a tribute to those who gave their lives for the safety of the country.
Recall that this is not the only tragedy in the Ukrainian aviation in recent times. On June 16, in Khmelnytskyi region, a Su-24M front-line bomber crashed while carrying out a mission. Major Bohdan Zaharulko and Senior Lieutenant Bohdan Babenko, who were part of the 7th Tactical Aviation Brigade named after Petro Franko, perished. These events remind us of the high price Ukrainian military pay for the defense of their sky.
