Ukraine Air Force MiG-29 fighter jet crashed after being shot down by Russian armed forces. The pilot Anton Lystopad died in the crash.
Captain Anton Lystopad was honored by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky with a prestigious award just days ago. Captain Anton Lystopad was awarded the title of the best pilot of the Ukrainian air force in 2019.
Captain Lystopad is the latest soldier of Ukraine’s armed forces to die in the war that has been going on for nearly six months over Russia’s insistence to stop its neighbor from joining the US-led military alliance.
It is noted that this was Anton Lystopad who led the flight of an air column over Khreshchatyk on the day of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence.
Capitan Anton Lystopad took part in military operations in eastern Ukraine since the war began.
During 2013-2018, he studied at the Ivan Kozhedub National Air Force University, became a fighter pilot of the highest rank.
It is not clear exactly how or where in Ukraine he died, but his death was confirmed by the Physics and Technical Lyceum of Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Council.
In a statement on Facebook, they said: “Millions of Ukrainians with delight and pride watched on the day of the 30th anniversary of Independence the flight of an aviation column of the parade of troops over Khreshchatyk.
“Our Anton was the leader of this column.
“Anton’s path behind the helm of a fighter was difficult but meaningful.
“However, the young man stubbornly pursued his dream—to become a pilot, fly high in the sky like a bird, and contemplate the beauty of the Earth with an eagle’s eye.
“For his courage, bravery and professionalism, a few days before his death, he was awarded a high state award by the President – the Order for Courage of the 3rd degree.
“Anton Listopad rightfully belongs to the number of the most popular among the current generations of lyceum graduates of our educational institution.”
Anton studied at the Lyceum from 2006 to 2008.
Earlier today, Ukrainians living near the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant were reportedly fleeing their homes amid growing concern that Vladimir Putin’s forces will cause a nuclear catastrophe.
