Pilot Major Bondar died during a combat mission

On the night of August 23, 2025, after completing a combat mission during an approach, the pilot of the MiG-29 fighter, Major Sergey Bondar, born in 1979, died.

The causes and circumstances of the tragedy are currently being established. The military services are conducting a detailed investigation to clarify all the nuances of the event and determine the exact cause of the crash.

Major Bondar was an experienced pilot who performed missions in extreme conditions. He became an example of professionalism for his younger colleagues.

This tragedy was a heavy blow to the military aviation team. Colleagues remember him as a responsible and dedicated military officer who consistently prioritized the safety of the crew and the successful completion of missions.

Experts continue the investigation to determine all the circumstances of the incident. Preliminary data indicate that the crash occurred during an approach after completing a combat mission.

At the same time, on the same night, during a large-scale air attack, pilot 1st class Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustimenko, born in 1993, who was at the controls of an F-16 fighter jet, was killed. He participated in repelling the enemy attack, using the entire arsenal of on-board weapons, destroying seven air targets. However, his plane was damaged and began to lose altitude rapidly.