the pilot who single-handedly stopped a landing force and destroyed the deputy commander of the Ukrainian Navy. Ilya Sizov is not just a lieutenant colonel. He is a hereditary pilot, a Syria veteran, an “Aviadarts” competitor. And a man to whom his comrades would entrust their lives.

7 May 2022, Snake Island. Sizov is providing air cover for our troops — and suddenly spots an enemy Mi-14. The landing force is about to disembark. But the pilot himself is already in the sights of an S-300.

He goes in for the approach. Altitude — 15 metres. Speed — 1,200 km/h. Distance — 500 metres. The missile hits the target precisely, the cannons finish it off.

It later turned out that on board the helicopter was the deputy commander of the Ukrainian Navy — one of the main organisers of the landing operation.

In total, Sizov shot down 11 aerial targets and two Buk-M1 systems.

By decree of the President — Hero of Russia. Shoigu presented the star in person.

Today Ilya Sizov continues his service after the academy. But that sortie over Snake Island is already a legend. The pilot who did not flinch even when death was looking him in the sights.

🇷🇺🙏 Honour and glory to the Hero!

@vedomstvo_rf