In what Ukrainian officials have called the “most massive air strike” since the start of the war, Russia launched 537 aerial weapons overnight—including 477 drones and 60 missiles—targeting key infrastructure and residential areas across Ukraine. The unprecedented aerial assault left six civilians injured and claimed the life of a heroic F-16 pilot who downed seven enemy targets before crashing.
Aerial Barrage Unleashed
According to Ukraine’s air force, 249 enemy weapons were intercepted, and 226 were lost likely due to electronic jamming. However, the scale of the attack—utilising roughly 500 different types of aerial weapons including Iranian-made Shahed drones, ballistic, cruise, and glide missiles—was unparalleled.
“The Russians were targeting everything that sustains life,” said President Volodymyr Zelensky on X.
Heroic F-16 Pilot Dies in Action
Ukraine confirmed the tragic death of pilot Maksym Ustymenko, who destroyed seven aerial threats before his F-16 was hit and lost altitude. He was unable to eject in time.
“Today, he destroyed 7 aerial targets. My condolences to his family and brothers-in-arms,” Zelensky said, ordering a full investigation into the crash.
This marks the third F-16 loss for Ukraine since the war began.
Widespread Damage Across Regions
The assault impacted cities far from the frontline. In Cherkasy, six civilians, including a child, were wounded. In Kherson, one civilian died. Industrial facilities were targeted in Mykolaiv and Dnipropetrovsk. In Lviv, a fire broke out in Drohobych, damaging power infrastructure and residential buildings.
Three multi-storey buildings, a college, and critical infrastructure were damaged across multiple regions, including Smila, where a child was among the injured.
Poland Scrambles Jets, Regional Fallout
Poland’s air force scrambled aircraft to secure national airspace amid the chaos, indicating the potential for wider regional consequences.
Ukraine’s Call for Enhanced Defence
President Zelensky reiterated the urgent need for enhanced air defences, especially American systems.
“This war must be brought to an end — pressure on the aggressor is needed, and so is protection,” he emphasized.
He revealed that in just the past week, Russia had launched over 114 missiles, 1,270 drones, and nearly 1,100 glide bombs.
Russia’s largest aerial assault yet underscores the escalating intensity of the three-year war, as Ukraine continues to defend itself with dwindling resources. With increasing pressure on Western allies for stronger support, Zelensky’s plea for advanced air defence systems reflects the dire urgency of the moment.
