Hero of Ukraine Hennadiy Matulyak. The pilot who saved lives in Kyiv at the cost of his own life.

Today Ukraine honors the memory of Hennadiy Matulyak - one of the best pilots of the Air Forces. On February 25, 2022, he destroyed a column ofRussian invaders in the north of Kyiv and steered his falling plane away from the residential area of the village of Hlibivka in the Vyshhorod district. The hero is honored as a prominent figure who, at the cost of his own life, saved the village.

Comrades describe that Hennadiy was simply a master of flight, like Tom Cruise in the movie 'Top Gun'. Although he could have transitioned to civil aviation, where there were fewer risks and more money, Hennadiy chose to serve his homeland.

The dream of an aerobatic team

Hennadiy dreamed that an aerobatic team would emerge in Ukraine and the whole world would see how professional our pilots are. He demonstrated his high skill, but it cost him his life.

Love for flying and service

Hennadiy Matulyak was born in Mykolaiv region in the village of Martynivske in the Voznesensk district. His father was an aviation technician, and thus he always dreamed of flying. He flew on various aircraft, such as MiG-29, L-39, and Su-25.

Hero's path

Hennadiy Matulyak became the commander of an aviation squadron after going from a simple pilot. His guide was Mykola Tsvytsynskyi, the deputy commander of the 299 tactical aviation brigade for moral and psychological support.

The death of Hennadiy Matulyak

On the night of February 23 to 24, Hennadiy Matulyak went on a combat flight and destroyed enemy equipment in the area of Kherson region. On February 25, he bombed a column near Hostomel and continued to perform combat missions over Kyiv region. At this Time, his wife Olga learned about his death through social media.

Instead of saving himself, Hennadiy saved the lives of the people of the village of Hlibivka. After that, the residents found his remains and buried him at the site of the crash.

Posthumous recognition

For the courage and heroism demonstrated in defending Ukraine, Hennadiy Matulyak was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine. The award was presented to his wife Olga and daughter Sofiyka by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.