Su 25 is almost 50 years old.
In 2013 he was discharged from the army.[10] After that he worked as deputy head of DOSAAF in Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast for aviation, and deputy director of an aeroclub in Saint Petersburg.[11]
According to Ukrainian media, he took part in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and died on 22 May 2022 near Popasna, piloting a Sukhoi Su-25 attack aircraft,[12][13] which was shot down by a FIM-92 Stinger.[14] Russian media later confirmed his death in combat in Ukraine.[15] Observers speculated that Botashev had been flying as mercenary pilot for the Wagner Group.[8][16]
Nuff said.