Kyiv, June 29 — In the most intense aerial assault since the onset of the conflict, Russia launched 477 drones and 60 missiles across Ukraine overnight, causing widespread alarm and casualties, Ukrainian officials confirmed on Sunday. The massive attack also resulted in the downing of a Western-supplied F-16 fighter jet, killing the pilot on board.
Unprecedented Scale of the Attack
Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat labeled the event the “most massive air strike” in terms of volume, involving both Russian-made and Iranian-origin Shahed drones.
“The attack targeted everything — infrastructure, civilian areas, and energy systems,” Ihnat told the Associated Press.
Out of 537 total aerial weapons, Ukraine’s defense systems reportedly intercepted 249, while 226 were believed lost due to electronic warfare jamming.
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Attack Reaches Far West; Poland on Alert
The aerial bombardment spanned multiple regions, including western Ukraine, far from active frontlines.
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Poland scrambled aircraft and activated regional defenses to secure its airspace.
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No direct damage was reported in Polish territory, but the military remains on high alert, Polish officials confirmed.
F-16 Fighter Jet Downed, Pilot Killed
One of the most significant losses during the attack was the downing of an F-16 fighter jet, part of Ukraine’s newly acquired Western fleet.
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The pilot was confirmed dead after the aircraft was brought down.
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Military officials have not disclosed the specific location for operational security.
This marks the first confirmed loss of an F-16 during combat in Ukraine.
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Zelenskyy: “Russians Were Targeting Everything”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted footage of the attacks on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“Russians were targeting everything that sustains life… Almost the entire night, Ukraine heard air raid sirens.”
Zelenskyy added that more than 1,270 drones, 114 missiles, and 1,100 glide bombs have been used in Russian assaults over the past week alone.
Tensions Mount Amid Putin’s Peace Talk Signals
Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent statement that Moscow is open to resuming peace talks in Istanbul, the ground reality reflects a steep escalation.
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A massive troop build-up of 110,000 soldiers has been reported near Pokrovsk, a strategic city in Donetsk.
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Two recent negotiation rounds yielded no tangible results, and the continued attacks suggest no de-escalation.
“Moscow will not stop as long as it has the capability to launch massive strikes,” Zelenskyy said Sunday.
FAQs (Schema Optimized)
Q1. What happened in the latest Russia-Ukraine attack?
Russia launched 477 drones and 60 missiles in the largest aerial attack on Ukraine since the war began, killing an F-16 pilot and hitting multiple regions.
Q2. Was an F-16 fighter jet downed during the attack?
Yes, an F-16 fighter jet supplied by Western allies to Ukraine was shot down during the strike, and the pilot was confirmed dead.
Q3. Which regions in Ukraine were targeted?
The aerial strikes affected multiple regions, including western Ukraine, far from the usual frontlines, indicating an expanded offensive.
Q4. How did Poland respond to the attack?
Poland scrambled fighter jets and took measures to secure its airspace, though no direct impact was reported on Polish territory.
Q5. Are peace talks between Russia and Ukraine still happening?
While President Putin has expressed willingness to resume talks in Istanbul, recent military activity contradicts any immediate progress on diplomacy.
