They Defended Ukraine’s Skies Against “Shaheeds”: Details Emerge on the Death of the Mi-8 Crew
6 July 23:55
On June 30, 2026, a Ukrainian Mi-8 military helicopter crashed while carrying out a combat mission to intercept Russian drones. Four crew members were killed in the crash, according to a report by the Brody City Council, as reported by "Komersant Ukrainian"
The following servicemen from the 16th Separate Army Aviation Brigade “Brody” were killed while carrying out the combat mission:
- Captain Yuriy Voron — crew commander;
- Major Valentin Mukshinov — pilot-navigator;
- Senior Lieutenant Bohdan Khmil — flight engineer;
- Junior Sergeant Mykhailo Deryaga — air gunner.
The city council noted that the crew was carrying out a combat mission to defend Ukrainian airspace, providing cover for Defense Forces units, and participating in the interception of Russian attack drones.
Who were the fallen soldiers?
Yuriy Voron
Yuriy Voron was a senior pilot in the helicopter flight of the 16th Separate Army Aviation Brigade “Brody.”
He was born in Brody in 1996 and graduated from the Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University.
He participated in the Joint Forces Operation and, since the start of the full-scale invasion, flew dozens of combat missions.
He was awarded the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, 2nd and 3rd classes, the Order of Danylo Halytskyi, and other state honors.
He is survived by his wife, son, and parents.
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Valentin Mukshinov
Valentin Mukshinov was born in Kyiv in 1991. After studying at the Chernihiv Military Lyceum, he dedicated his life to military aviation.
From the start of the full-scale war, he carried out combat missions in various theaters of operation; he was a full recipient of the Order “For Courage” and was repeatedly honored with state awards.
He is survived by his wife, daughter, son, parents, and sister.
Bohdan Khmil
Bohdan Khmil was born in Vasylkiv, Kyiv Oblast, in 2000.
After studying at the Kharkiv National University of the Air Force, he served in the 16th Separate Army Aviation Brigade “Brody.”
As an aircraft technician, he prepared helicopters for combat missions.
He was awarded the Presidential Distinction “For the Defense of Ukraine.”
He is survived by his wife and parents.
Mykhailo Deryaga
Mykhailo Deryaga was born in 1989 in the Poltava region. Before enlisting, he studied at the Mariupol Construction Vocational College.
From November 2023, he served as an air gunner with the 16th Separate Army Aviation Brigade “Brody.”
For his courage and dedication to service, he was awarded the Presidential Distinction “For the Defense of Ukraine” and the Order “For Courage,” 3rd Class.
He is survived by his wife, son, parents, and brother.
When Will the Farewell Ceremony for the Defenders Take Place?
The Brody City Territorial Community will bid farewell to the fallen soldiers on July 7.
At 9:30 a.m., the funeral procession will be met on the Alley of Heroes in Brody, after which a farewell service for the fallen defenders of Ukraine will be held at the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Life-Giving Cross.
The city council has called on community residents to join the ceremony and pay a fitting tribute to the memory of the servicemen who gave their lives defending Ukraine’s skies.
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