Russia launched a powerful air raid on Ukraine in the final week of June 2025. It was one of the biggest since the war began. The attacks lasted for seven days. During this time, Russia targeted several Ukrainian cities.
Russia Launches Largest Air Raid in Months
It also struck key infrastructure sites. Russia used almost 1,270 drones in the assault. They also launched 114 missiles and around 1,100 guided bombs. The air raid peaked on the night of June 29.
Russia sent 477 drones and 60 missiles in one massive wave. This was part of a planned strategy. Russia had used a similar tactic in March 2024 to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defenses. At that time, the country’s air defenses ran low on ammunition, leaving the skies open for further attacks. This new air raid seems to mirror that same pattern, with heavy waves of drones and missiles launched almost daily.
These attacks caused widespread damage. Russian missiles hit residential buildings in Smila, a city in the Cherkasy region. The attack injured 11 people, including two children. In Lviv, missiles struck an industrial site. In Poltava, falling debris started a fire in a commercial building. The same debris also damaged the Poltava-Pivdenna railway station and nearby train facilities. Fires also broke out in Mykolaiv and Zaporizhzhia due to similar missile strikes.
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A day before the major June 29 air raid, Russia launched a new weapon. It was the Grom-E1 missile-bomb. The missile flew over the Dnipro River. Ukrainian air defense systems shot it down. Still, another missile hit a 21-story building in Odesa. The strike killed one family and injured 14 others, including children.
Ukrainian F-16 Shot Down During Intense Air Raid
During the June 29 air raid, Ukrainian forces responded quickly. Russian forces shot down one of Ukraine’s F-16 fighter jets. This happened during an air defense mission. The attack killed the pilot, Maksym Ustymenko, a highly trained and decorated Air Force officer.
A total of 24 F-16s were recently delivered to Ukraine by NATO members. These jets were considered highly valuable and were expected to play a major role in improving Ukraine’s air defense. Ustymenko’s aircraft was part of this new group. He flew that evening to intercept Russian missiles and drones approaching Ukrainian cities during the massive air raid. The Ukrainian military reported that he successfully eliminated seven aerial threats before his aircraft was struck.
According to reports, the F-16 went down after flying into a cloud of missile debris that exploded during the interception. Ustymenko did not eject to save himself. His jet was badly damaged. He directed it away from residential areas. He gave his life to prevent civilian casualties during the air raid.
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The Ukrainian government posthumously awarded him the title of Hero of Ukraine, the nation’s highest honor. Officials also gave him the Order of “Golden Star” for his bravery and promoted him to Colonel after his death. His four-year-old son survives him. His widow’s message, shared publicly through the wife of another pilot, expressed deep pride in his heroism and sacrifice.
Since the F-16s were first used in February 2024, Ukraine has now lost four of the jets. Other significant losses took place in April and May, with several experienced pilots lost in combat.
Ukraine’s Struggle for Air Defense Ammunition
The intense Russian air assaults have highlighted a critical issue for Ukraine: a shortage of air defense ammunition. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the increasing difficulty in protecting Ukrainian airspace. He shared this in a video message. Zelenskyy confirmed 436 drones were intercepted. He also said 38 missiles were stopped. F-16 pilots like Ustymenko played a big role in the defense.
Zelenskyy has repeatedly asked for more Patriot missile systems from the United States. He raised the issue again on June 26. This happened during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. They met at the NATO summit in The Hague. Trump gave no clear answer. He said, “Maybe, we will have to see about that.” He also mentioned that the U.S. needs to supply Israel due to tensions with Iran.
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The pressure on Ukraine’s air defenses is now higher than ever. Russia seems to be using a planned strategy. It wants to weaken Ukraine’s ability to fight back. The attacks are massive and non-stop. They force Ukraine to use its best aircraft and missiles. Ukraine is trying to protect its cities.
F-16 pilots play a key role in this defense. Maksym Ustymenko was one of those pilots. His death had a deep impact on the country. His bravery helped save many lives. But the air battles are becoming more dangerous every day.