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3w ago

Ukraine Repels Russia’s Largest Drone and Missile Barrage, F-16 Pilot Killed

Ukraine’s integrated defenses shot down most of the unprecedented 537-weapon barrage thanks to U.S.-supplied F-16s.

Explosion lights up the sky over the city during a Russian drone, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine June 29, 2025. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
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A woman reacts at the site of an apartment building hit during Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine June 23, 2025.
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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.