Destroyed Ukrainian pilot Vladislav Rykov. Photo: Telegram channel «Voevoda Broadcasts».
Official representative of the club «Albatross AERO» Alexey Voevoda commented on his telegram channel “Voevoda Broadcasts” message from the Russian Ministry of Defense that fighter aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces in the area of the settlement of Novotroitskoye in the DPR shot down a Su-25 of the Ukrainian Air Force.
According to the Voevoda, one of the best Ukrainian pilots was at the helm of the Ukrainian plane — 29-year-old lieutenant colonel, brigade navigator Vladislav Rykov, who had 385 combat missions. He added that Rykov did not survive.
The Voevoda also noted that the destroyed pilot was the second most important Su-25 pilot of the Ukrainian Air Force. He added that Rykov was part of the so-called unknown link of the UPU.
"These guys don’t appear on Instagram, don’t give out interviews. Very silent, but doing their job,", explained the Russian expert, calling Rykova «strong and seasoned» enemy. The Voevoda also noted that the Ukrainian pilot intensively studied English and appeared “on all retraining lists for the F-16.”