Hundreds of combat missions: pilot Denis Yudin received the title of Hero of Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has conferred the title of Hero of Ukraine on Major Denis Yudin - for his outstanding service and personal contribution to the country's defence.
This is reported by decree No 568/2025, published on the official website of the head of state. According to the document, Yudin received the high rank "for personal courage and heroism shown in defence of the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as for selfless service to the Ukrainian people". Together with the honorary title, the pilot was awarded the Order "Gold Star".
Who is Denis Yudin
Major Denis Yudin is a combat pilot of the AFU Air Force. During combat sorties he repeatedly carried out pinpoint strikes on important enemy targets, including command centres, ammunition depots, accumulations of equipment and manpower.
According to official data, Yudin's account includes 294 confirmed targets in the airspace. For his heroism, he was previously awarded a number of state distinctions, including the Order for Courage, the Presidential Award for the Defence of Ukraine and the Iron Cross medal.
Changes in the Air Force Command
The appointment of the Hero of Ukraine coincided with personnel changes in the command of the Air Force. Recall, in August 2024 after the death of an experienced pilot Oleksiy Mesya in the F-16 crash, the President dismissed Mykola Oleshchuk from the post of commander.
The duties were temporarily performed by Lieutenant General Anatoliy Kryvonozhko, whom Zelensky officially appointed as the new commander of the AFU Air Force on 3 August 2025. The decision was announced by the head of state in his Telegram channel.