Today, December 18, during a combat mission, the crew of a Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter from the 12th Independent Army Aviation Brigade named after General Khorunzhiy Viktor Pavlenko perished. This was reported on the brigade's official Facebook page.
This tragedy is an irreparable loss for Ukrainian aviation, the country, and the families of the servicemen who awaited their loved ones at home. The brigade's command expressed deep condolences to the families of the fallen defenders. The message stated: "Today, a dark cloud has loomed over our aviation family. During a combat mission, the Mi-24 helicopter crew perished. This is an irreparable loss for aviation, the country, and for the families who awaited their loved ones at home."
To support the families of the deceased, the brigade announced a fundraiser. All collected funds will be transferred to the four families after the collection concludes.
Condolences were also expressed by representatives of the Ukrainian Air Force. Not long ago, on December 8, a tragic loss occurred in the eastern direction, where Su-27 pilot Yevhen Ivanov was killed during a combat mission. Ivanov was a senior navigator of the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade.
These tragic events once again remind us of the dangerous service that Ukrainian servicemen perform to protect their country. The public is urged to support the families of the fallen heroes during this difficult time.
