Fighting in the skies for Ukraine for nearly three years, pilot Ivan Bolotov tragically lost his life in battle.

During a combat mission, 24-year-old fighter pilot Ivan Bolotov lost his life. He had spent nearly three years defending Ukraine against the Russians.

This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing the 831st Tactical Aviation Brigade on Facebook.

"We sadly announce the irreparable loss... Our comrade, a great patriot of his country - Air Force fighter pilot Captain Ivan Bolotov, did not return from the combat mission," the statement reads.

Bolotov was 24 years old and is remembered as a skilled and experienced warrior who relentlessly struck the occupiers at all fronts and directions.

"Pilots do not die; they remain in the sky forever... We express our condolences to Ivan's family; he died in battle as a Hero. He will remain a symbol of great courage, resilience, and a thirst for victory for us," the brigade stated.

Earlier, we reported that Andrey Pilshchikov, with the call sign "Dzhus," was killed on August 25, 2023 in the Zhytomyr region. The tragedy occurred the day before Ukraine's Aviation Day during a combat mission. An aviation accident took place, resulting in a collision between two L-39 training combat aircraft, claiming the lives of three pilots.

Additionally, on August 26, during a large-scale air assault by Russia on Ukraine, another distinguished Ukrainian pilot, Alexey "Munfish" Mesy, was killed. He managed to destroy three enemy missiles during his final combat flight.