Russia's biggest attack on Ukraine of the war; F-16 pilot killed.
June 29, 2025 — Ukraine witnessed its darkest night in months as Russia launched its most intense airstrikes since the full-scale invasion began in early 2022. The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that Moscow fired 537 drones and missiles across the country in a coordinated attack.
By - News Beat
In response, Ukraine's air defense system shot down 475 incoming threats, averting further destruction. However, the attack resulted in devastation, killing a Ukrainian F-16 pilot, damaging infrastructure, and injuring at least a dozen civilians.
The six-hour attack began on Saturday evening and hit several areas, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Lviv, Cherkasy, Poltava, Mykolaiv and Kherson. Residential areas, warehouses and important infrastructure were hit, causing significant damage.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky paid tribute to F-16 pilot Maxim Stamenko, who was killed during a defensive operation. "Maxim destroyed seven enemy targets before his jet malfunctioned," Zelensky said. "He died like a hero, protecting the skies of Ukraine.
The latest attack highlights Russia's growing strategy in the war, with Zelensky saying 1,270 drones, 1,100 glide bombs and 114 missiles were used in the past week alone.
As a result, Zelensky renewed his request to Western allies, especially the United States, to urgently provide Patriot missile systems to strengthen Ukraine's air defense. Zelensky stressed that ballistic missiles, drones and terrorist attacks can only be stopped by strengthening our air shield. "These are the systems that we are ready to purchase. We trust the political will and leadership of our partners.
At a press conference earlier this week, US President Donald Trump acknowledged Ukraine’s request but noted that the Patriots are in high demand. “They want Patriots — we’re looking at that,” Trump said, referring to the recent allocation to Israel.
In a separate retaliatory strike, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) claimed to have destroyed several Russian helicopters and an air defense system at the Kirovsk airfield in Crimea. The drone strike reportedly targeted Russian Mi-8, Mi-26, and Mi-28 helicopters, as well as Pantsir-S1 missile and gun systems.
The attack also triggered a military response in neighboring Poland, which scrambled fighter jets and put its air defense forces on alert due to the proximity of the attacks.
As the war enters another bloody phase, Ukraine is constantly and desperately pushing for greater international support to defend against Russian aggression.