‘Hero of Ukraine’: Zelenskyy honours pilot who clicked bloodied selfie after downing drones

“(This title is awarded) for personal courage and heroism displayed in the protection of the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, (and) selfless service to the Ukrainian people,” Zelenskyy said in a decree.

Voroshylov, who goes by the call sign ‘Karyaa’, uploaded a selfie on Instagram after ejecting, showing a thumbs up and his injured face. The caption read, “The Defense Forces of Ukraine stand in defense not only of our State, they stand in defense of the entire civilized world, it is a shield that protects the Western world from the horde that leaves behind only chaos and destruction! But this protection is very expensive for the sons of Ukraine, so it must be understood and remembered!”

The fighter pilot often posts photos and videos shot from inside the cockpit of his fighter jet on Instagram. In July 2021, Voroshylov was one of the many Ukrainian fighter pilots who declined to extend their five-year military contracts. Speaking to Kyiv Post, he cited long hours, low pay, old aircraft, and the air force’s laying blame on pilots for a crash as the reasons behind his decision. However, as Russian forces invaded Ukraine, Voroshylov resumed serving in the Ukrainian air force.

Ukrainian air force MiG-29 pilot Lt. Col. Vyacheslav Yerko was also conferred with the Honour posthumously. He died in a fight following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24 this year.

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