On February 18, the Lviv Oblast region of Ukraine held a somber ceremony to honor the memory of the Mi-24 helicopter crew members who lost their lives during a combat mission on December 17, 2025. The event recognized the sacrifices made by these servicemen, who were part of the 12th Brigadier General Viktor Pavlenko Separate Army Aviation Brigade. Present at the ceremony were officials, military personnel, and family members of the deceased, all taking part in a tribute to their bravery and service to the country.

Among those honored was Oleksandr Shemet, a respected chief of air weapons and tactics, who was posthumously recognized as a Hero of Ukraine and awarded several distinguished honors, including the Order of the Golden Star and the Order of Danylo Halytskyi. Another serviceman, Dmytro Popadiuk, a flight engineer, was also acknowledged for his courage with an award for his bravery in action. The loss of these men serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the high cost of service in defense of national sovereignty.

The funeral services were marked by deep mourning, with Shemet laid to rest in Lviv and Popadiuk buried in his home village of Kalyniv. The tragic incident highlights the dangers faced by military personnel in active service, reinforcing the need for ongoing support and recognition of their sacrifices as Ukraine continues to navigate through its complex security challenges. This act of remembrance illustrates the resilience and solidarity of the Ukrainian people during these difficult times.