A Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet and its pilot had been downed on Sunday throughout Russia’s large in a single day air assault on Ukraine, the Ukrainian Air Power stated.
The jet fighter pilot has been recognized as First Class Pilot Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustymenko.
“Final night time, throughout a large enemy air assault, First Class Pilot Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustymenko, born in 1993, was killed in motion flying an F-16. Maksym did the whole lot he might to steer the plane away from a populated space. He didn’t have time to eject. Our deepest condolences to Maksym’s household. Everlasting flight, brother. You probably did the whole lot you could possibly,” the Ukrainian Air Power stated in a put up on X.
Final night time, throughout a large enemy air assault, First Class Pilot Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustymenko, born in 1993, was killed in motion flying an F-16.
Maksym did the whole lot he might to steer the plane away from a populated space. He didn’t have time to eject…
Our deepest… pic.twitter.com/dekUks3rYW
— Ukrainian Air Power (@KpsZSU) June 29, 2025
In a put up on X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed condolences to Maksym Ustymenko’s household.
“Tragically, whereas repelling the assault, our F-16 pilot, Maksym Ustymenko, died. Right now, he destroyed 7 aerial targets. My condolences to his household and brothers-in-arms. I’ve instructed that every one the circumstances of his dying be investigated. Ukrainian aviation is heroically defending our skies. I’m grateful to everybody who’s defending Ukraine,” he stated in a put up on X.
Russia on June 29 launched a large airstrike on Ukraine utilizing 537 weapons, together with 477 drones and missiles, from a number of instructions, the Ukrainian Armed Forces stated in a press release.
“On the night time of June 29 (from 19:00 on June 28), the enemy attacked with 537 air assault property,” the Ukrainian Armed Forces stated.
Russia attacked Ukraine with 477 assault UAVs of the Shahed kind and numerous decoy drones, 4 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, 7 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, 41 Kh-101/Iskander-Ok cruise missiles, 5 Kalibr cruise missiles and three S-300 guided anti-aircraft missiles, the Ukrainian Armed Forces stated.
The Russian airstrike was countered by the aviation, anti-aircraft missile forces, digital warfare models, unmanned models and cell fireplace teams of the Ukrainian Defence Forces.
“The air assault was countered by aviation, anti-aircraft missile forces, digital warfare models, unmanned techniques models, and cell fireplace teams of the Ukrainian Protection Forces. In line with preliminary knowledge, as of 08:30, air defenses neutralized 475 enemy air assault property, with 249 destroyed by firepower and 226 locationally misplaced,” the Ukrainian Armed Forces stated in a press release.
After the assault, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Russia-Ukraine battle have to be stopped and stress have to be placed on the aggressor.
“Moscow won’t cease so long as it has the potential to launch large strikes. Simply this week alone, there have been greater than 114 missiles, over 1,270 drones, and practically 1,100 glide bombs. Putin way back determined he would preserve waging battle, regardless of the world’s requires peace. This battle have to be dropped at an finish — stress on the aggressor is required, and so is safety,” he stated in a put up on X.
Virtually all night time lengthy, air raid alerts sounded throughout Ukraine — 477 drones had been in our skies, most of them Russian-Iranian Shaheds, together with 60 missiles of assorted sorts. The Russians had been concentrating on the whole lot that sustains life. A residential constructing in Smila was additionally hit,… pic.twitter.com/1ExZhYAMBg
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 29, 2025
Zelensky additionally burdened the necessity to improve Ukraine’s air protection techniques to guard in opposition to missiles, drones and different threats from Russia and expressed readiness to buy American know-how.
“Safety from ballistic and different missiles, from drones, and from terror. Ukraine must strengthen its air protection — the factor that finest protects lives. These are American techniques, which we’re prepared to purchase. We rely on management, political will, and the help of the USA, Europe, and all our companions. I thank everybody who helps,” he stated in a put up on X.