The Commander Of The "Ghosts Of Kiev" Was Awarded The Hero Of Ukraine
- 5.06.2026, 7:58
- 1,854
What is known aviation colonel with the call sign "Beekeeper".
The President of Ukraine has signed a decree on awarding the title of Hero of Ukraine to Colonel Valentin Korenchuk with the call sign "Pchelovod" - posthumously. The pilot died during a combat mission on April 27, 2024.
About it reports Charter97.org with reference to the message of the Air Force Command of the AFU.
Who is "Beekeeper"
Valentin Korenchuk is a squadron commander of the 40th tactical aviation brigade "Ghost of Kiev". From the first day of the full-scale invasion he went up to intercept the enemy in the battle for Kiev - for the first day he made five combat sorties.
During his service the colonel:
did more than 80 combat sorties - 73 of them directly to destroy equipment and cover the troops;
spent about 300 hours in the sky;
personally destroyed dozens of enemy targets - planes, cruise missiles and drones.
Impossible Maneuver
One of the most striking episodes - "Beekeeper" made a Russian Su-25 attack aircraft crash on the outskirts of Kiev by maneuvering alone, without spending a single round.
Korenchuk was one of the first to master and use French AASM-250 HAMMER missiles in combat. He actively promoted the transition of Ukrainian aviation to Western aircraft, particularly F-16s, and represented Ukraine's interests at meetings with delegations from France, Poland and Japan.
Beyond the Cockpit
The colonel conducted "lessons of courage" for schoolchildren, dealt with the families of the dead and wounded. With his participation in Kiev appeared museum exhibitions and the famous mural "Ghost of Kiev" on Podol.
Valentin Korenchuk died on April 27, 2024. He was left with a wife and three children.
Bank's name: Bank Millennium S.A.
Address: ul. Stanislawa Zaryna, 2A, 02-593, Warszawa
IBAN: PL97116022020000000216711123
SWIFT: BIGBPLPW
Name of the account holder: Fundacja “KARTA ‘97”
Purpose/title of payment: Donation for statuary aims
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