Russia Launches Largest Airstrike on Ukraine; Zelensky Confirms Civilian Injuries, F-16 Loss

30 June, 2025:

Russia launched its largest aerial attack on Ukraine overnight, injuring at least six people, including a child, according to Ukrainian officials. Ukraine's air force reported that Moscow used 537 aerial weapons, which included 477 drones and decoys and 60 missiles. Of these, 249 were intercepted, while 226 were likely neutralized using electronic jamming.

Yuriy Ihnat, head of communications for Ukraine's air force, told the Associated Press that this overnight strike was the largest air attack on the country so far, due to the combined use of drones and various types of missiles. The assault hit areas throughout Ukraine, including the west, far from active frontlines.

"The Russians were targeting everything that sustains life," said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a post on X. The increased bombing campaign further dampened hopes for a resolution in the three-year-old war. Zelensky noted that the strikes damaged homes and important infrastructure across the country. He also confirmed that Ukraine lost its third F-16 fighter jet since the war began while defending against the massive attack.

"Almost all night long, air raid alerts sounded across Ukraine - 477 drones were in our skies, most of them Russian-Iranian Shaheds, along with 60 missiles of various types. The Russians were targeting everything that sustains life. A residential building in Smila was also hit, and a child was injured. Emergency services are responding wherever they're needed," the Ukrainian President said.

"Tragically, while repelling the attack, our F-16 pilot, Maksym Ustymenko, died. Today, he destroyed 7 aerial targets. My condolences to his family and brothers-in-arms. I have instructed that all the circumstances of his death be investigated. Ukrainian aviation is heroically protecting our skies. I am grateful to everyone who is defending Ukraine," he added. 

Poland and allied countries scrambled aircraft to ensure the safety of Polish airspace, the Polish air force said on Sunday.