During a combat mission in the Dnipropetrovsk region, the director of the Odessa Aviation Club, retired colonel Konstantin Oborin, was killed. He was 63 years old. His daughter Polina announced his death in a statement on social media.
“Sadly, ‘Kamikaze’ Kostiantyn Oborin — our father, grandfather, beloved husband, legendary warrior — is no more. It happened yesterday during a mission. Unfortunately, our superhero wasn’t immortal,” she wrote.
Oborin led the Odesa branch of the Afghan War Veterans Union and the aviation club at the city’s Hydroport. A veteran of the Soviet war in Afghanistan, he dedicated his life to supporting fellow veterans and promoting parachuting and aviation as rehabilitation. His life motto, “the sky heals,” became a source of strength and recovery for many.
In 2014, risking his life, Oborin personally evacuated 29 Ukrainian soldiers from captivity. In 2022, he honored the last wish of his student, Hero of Ukraine Vladyslav Buvalkin, by scattering his ashes over Odesa from the air.
“This year, I had the honor of presenting Colonel Oborin with the Hryhorii Marazli Medal, 3rd Class. Kostiantyn was more than a serviceman — he was a mentor, a volunteer, a friend, and an example to many. His death is a painful loss for all of Odesa,” said Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov.
Oborin remained active in combat missions even at 63. He died staying true to his oath, his comrades, and Ukraine.