'Most Massive Air Strike': Russia Hits Ukraine With 537 Drones & Missiles, F-16 Pilot Killed Defending Skies

Kyiv: Ukraine was battered by the largest aerial attack since the war began in 2022, with Russia unleashing a staggering 537 airborne weapons overnight, including 477 drones and 60 missiles, killing an F-16 pilot and injuring several civilians.

Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat called it “the most massive air strike” to date. Of the total weapons launched, 249 were intercepted, while 226 were likely downed by electronic jamming systems.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the death of F-16 fighter pilot Maksym Ustymenko, who had destroyed seven aerial targets before being killed in action. “Tragically, while repelling the attack, our F-16 pilot, Maksym Ustymenko, died. Ukrainian aviation is heroically protecting our skies," Zelenskyy posted on X.

The president also ordered an official inquiry into the circumstances of Ustymenko’s death. “My condolences to his family and brothers-in-arms,” he added.

The attack caused further destruction across Ukrainian regions. In Kherson, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported one civilian death in a drone strike, while in Cherkasy, six people, including a child, were injured, Governor Ihor Taburets confirmed.

Zelenskyy Urges Global Pressure as Russia Calls for New Talks

Zelenskyy condemned the scale and cruelty of the strike. “The Russians were targeting everything that sustains life,” he said. He also highlighted the staggering number of attacks this week alone, “More than 114 missiles, over 1,270 drones, and nearly 1,100 glide bombs.”

While Russia has proposed resuming peace talks in Istanbul, Ukraine remains sceptical. Previous rounds have yielded no progress, and with attacks escalating, the path to resolution seems increasingly distant.

“Putin long ago decided he would keep waging war, despite the world’s calls for peace,” Zelenskyy said, urging the international community to act decisively.