Overview
- Russia launched 537 drones and missiles in its biggest overnight assault since 2022, striking six regions across Ukraine.
- Ukraine’s air defenses, aided by new F-16 fighters, intercepted 436 drones and 38 missiles, effectively neutralizing the majority of the threats.
- Lt. Col. Maksym Ustimenko was killed after downing seven targets when his damaged F-16 lost altitude and he had no time to eject, and an inquiry into his death is underway.
- At least six people, including a child in Cherkasy, were injured and residential buildings, a college and other infrastructure suffered damage from impacts and debris.
- President Zelenskyy pressed U.S. and European leaders for advanced air-defense systems as NATO partners scrambled jets and heightened readiness on their eastern borders.