A Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilot has died after his jet crashed during a night-time air attack by Russia. The pilot, identified as Maksym Ustymenko, shot down seven targets before the crash, but was killed when his aircraft was damaged.
The attack, which involved over 500 drones and missiles, targeted critical infrastructure across Ukraine, including homes and buildings. At least 12 people were injured in the attacks, which were also accompanied by machine-gun fire and explosions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called for more air defence support from Washington and Western allies to bolster Ukraine’s defences after the attack. This is Ukraine’s third F-16 loss since it began operating the jets last year.
The Ukrainian military said Russia launched 477 drones and 60 missiles, but was able to destroy only a fraction of them using electronic warfare or decoy drones that carried no explosives. The incident highlights the need for further support from the US and other Western allies to help Ukraine counter Russia’s attacks.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/least-six-wounded-large-scale-russian-air-attack-ukraine-ukrainian-authorities-2025-06-29