Ukrainian television is set to release the film “Heavenly Guardians,” an emotional production based on the activities of attack aviation pilots who face extremely difficult combat missions daily, often inflicting heavy losses on the enemy — many times at the cost of their own lives.
+ Click here to watch the emotional video of Igor Parkhomenko
The film’s plot centers on the dramatic story of Colonel Igor Parkhomenko, an experienced attack aviation pilot who is now 50 years old. Despite reaching an age when many choose retirement, Igor continues flying — not only for himself but also in memory of his eldest son, Sergei Parkhomenko.
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Air Force Captain Sergei Parkhomenko, aged 25, was also a dedicated pilot. Although father and son never had the opportunity to fly together, their bond remained strong, both on the ground and in the air. Tragically, on May 14, 2022, Sergei lost his life in combat. He was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine.
After his son’s death, Igor faced his grief with remarkable resilience. “My son has not stopped completing combat missions — he carries them out through me,” Parkhomenko states. Just 40 days after the tragedy, Igor returned to active duty, continuing to fight alongside young pilots in whom he sees the reflection of his son. With the heart of a father, Igor guides, protects, and inspires these young fighters.
Igor Parkhomenko’s story becomes even more moving: his grandson, Sergei’s son, was born shortly before the young captain’s death. It was Igor who took the newborn from the hospital and baptized him, carrying him to a photo of Sergei so he could, symbolically, meet the father he would never know.
The film also reveals that Igor’s younger son followed the path of military aviation, serving as a pilot of AN-26 transport aircraft, thus continuing the family’s tradition of service to the country.
The film was created by the “International Production Center FOR-POST” at the request of the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications. The script was written and produced by Oleksandr Driz, and directed and filmed by Volodymyr Klyuyev.
Source and images: X @DefenceU. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
