Zelenskyy responds after deadly overnight attack and F-16 pilot's tragic death
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Photo: RBC-Ukraine, Vitalii Nosach)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on his Telegram on the overnight attack by the Russian Federation on Ukraine on the night of June 29. As a result of the shelling, there are injured, among them a child.
As the head of state noted, an air raid alert sounded across Ukraine almost the entire night — there were 477 drones in the sky, most of which were Russian-Iranian Shaheds, and 60 missiles of various types.
"The Russians hit everything that sustains life. There is a hit on a residential building in Smila, a child was injured. Emergency services are working everywhere where necessary," he emphasized.
Zelenskyy also commented on the death of F-16 pilot Maksym Ustymenko, who shot down seven aerial targets that night.
"My condolences to the family and comrades. I have instructed that all the circumstances of the death be clarified. Ukrainian aviation heroically defends the skies. Thank you to everyone who defends Ukraine," the president noted.
According to Zelenskyy, just in the past week, Russia launched over 114 missiles, more than 1,270 drones, and nearly 1,100 glide bombs at Ukraine. The president emphasized that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin long ago decided to continue the war despite calls from the world.
"The war must be ended, pressure on the aggressor is needed, protection is needed. From ballistic missiles, rockets, and drones, from terror. Ukraine needs to strengthen air defense. What best protects lives. These are American systems, which we are ready to buy. We are counting on leadership, political will, and support from the United States, Europe, and all our partners," Zelenskyy stated.
Night attack on Ukraine
In the night of June 29, Russia carried out a record-breaking large-scale attack—537 aerial targets were launched at Ukrainian territory, including 477 kamikaze drones and 60 missiles. Most of them were shot down by air defense forces, but there were also hits.
Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Khmelnytskyi regions were struck — residential buildings and infrastructure facilities were damaged. Smila, Kremenchuk, Zaporizhzhia, and Mykolaiv were also attacked.
During the repulsion of the shelling, Ukrainian F-16 pilot Maksym Ustymenko tragically died. He managed to steer the aircraft away from residential areas, but could not eject.
More about the consequences of the nighttime shelling of Ukraine—in the RBC-Ukraine material.
