Major Kolesnikov, a pilot of the Russian Su-25 attack aircraft, has shown outstanding skill and courage since the first day of the special military operation, having flown 442 combat missions to date. One of his first assignments was to fly three missions on February 24, 2022, the last of which proved particularly challenging due to twilight hours. According to information provided by the Russian Ministry of Defense and published in Rossiyskaya Gazeta, an experienced wingman was assigned to ensure Kolesnikov’s security. During this flight, three armored personnel carriers, four KamAZ trucks with ammunition and a significant number of enemy personnel were destroyed.

In addition, Kolesnikov distinguished himself during one of the battles, when he entered into a fight with a naval boat of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which carried out massive shelling. The pilot's decisive actions led to the sinking of the enemy ship, for which he was awarded a government award - the medal "For Courage". These events highlight Kolesnikov's high combat readiness and professionalism, as well as the effectiveness of using aviation in a special military operation.