
Russia has launched its largest aerial attack against Ukraine since the conflict began in 2022, intensifying the ongoing war. The assault involved hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles aimed at multiple regions, including western, southern, and central Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 477 drones and decoys, along with 60 missiles, were fired overnight. In response to the escalation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urgently called for increased defensive aid from the United States.
Tragically, Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustymenko, a Ukrainian F-16 pilot, lost his life during the fierce clashes. He had successfully shot down seven air targets before his fighter jet crashed, marking the third F-16 loss for Ukraine since the jets were first introduced last year.
Local authorities confirmed that at least six individuals were wounded, and several homes and essential infrastructure sustained damage during the attacks.
This wave of aggression is regarded as the largest airstrike since the full-scale invasion started three years ago, further escalating tensions in the conflict. As Ukraine endures this intense assault, it continues to seek robust international support to defend itself against future strikes.