Maksym Nelipa—a popular actor and TV presenter who had been defending Ukraine since the very first days of the full-scale invasion—has died on the front line.
This was announced by his wife Tamara during the night of May 14–15, 2025. Maksym’s brother, Andriy Nelipa, also shared the tragic news on his Facebook page. He wrote that his brother joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
“Yes, it’s true. My brother—a well-known Ukrainian film actor and TV presenter, captain of the KVN team ‘Cowboys of Polytech,’ and participant in projects such as ‘Who’s There,’ ‘People’s Star,’ ‘Diesel Show,’ ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ and others—Maksym Nelipa, joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine at the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion,” Andriy Nelipa stated.
Maksym was not only a showman, comedian, and avid fisherman but also a warrior and defender of Ukraine. He initially served in the Territorial Defense Forces and later in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Recently, he was active in the Unmanned Systems Forces. Holding the rank of Senior Lieutenant, he was recently appointed as a company commander, and his comrades continue to carry out combat missions,” Andriy Nelipa said.
He also added that he is in contact with the unit where Maksym served and will announce the date of the funeral in a few days.
The Unmanned Systems Forces confirmed that Maksym Nelipa died on May 12. The circumstances of his death are currently being investigated.
“Senior Lieutenant Maksym Volodymyrovych Nelipa, commander of the maintenance and repair company, served in the 14th Separate Regiment of Unmanned Aviation Complexes of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He indeed died on May 12, 2025. The circumstances of his death are currently being clarified,” said Olga Meloshyna, spokesperson for the Unmanned Systems Forces, in an interview with DM.
Maksym Nelipa was born on October 16, 1976, in Kyiv. He graduated from Kyiv Polytechnic Institute. He played in KVN and was the captain of the team “Cowboys of Polytech.”
Later, he became a showman and host of Ukrainian TV projects:
- “Lose a Million” (ICTV channel) from 2004 to 2006,
- the apartment lottery “Who’s There?” (UT-1 and “1+1” channels) from 2007 to 2009,
- the project “People’s Star” (Ukraine channel) from 2010 to 2011.
He also participated in TV shows “Dancing with the Stars” and “Diesel Show.”
“Thank you, brother, you are in our hearts. We are proud, we mourn, we remember,” wrote Andriy Nelipa.
Additionally, he asked for help:
“For those who can assist, a fund has been created. We will be grateful,” said Maksym’s brother.
Bank card number:
4441 1111 2514 9058
What Maksym Nelipa said about peace and victory
On his birthday, October 15, 2023, Nelipa celebrated with his comrades on the front line. At that time, he wrote a heartfelt post on Facebook:
“I sincerely thank everyone for the incredible number of greetings, kind and warm words, and important and profound wishes! Thanks to my comrades who shared this moment while also serving. And may the most important and urgent wish come true — Peace for Ukraine and Victory!”
