Russian forces launched 114 missiles, more than 1,270 drones, and nearly 1,100 guided aerial bombs across Ukraine in just one week.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in a post on social media, as reported by Ukrinform.
“Almost all night long, air raid alerts sounded across Ukraine — 477 drones were in our skies, most of them Russian-Iranian Shaheds, along with 60 missiles of various types. The Russians were targeting everything that sustains life. A residential building in Smila was also hit, and a child was injured. Emergency services are responding wherever they’re needed,” Zelensky noted.
He said that tragically, while repelling the attack, Ukrainian F-16 pilot, Maksym Ustymenko, died.
“Today, he destroyed 7 aerial targets. My condolences to his family and brothers-in-arms. I have instructed that all the circumstances of his death be investigated. Ukrainian aviation is heroically protecting our skies. I am grateful to everyone who is defending Ukraine,” Zelensky stressed.
According to the President, Moscow will not stop as long as it has the capability to launch massive strikes.
“Just this week alone, there have been more than 114 missiles, over 1,270 drones, and nearly 1,100 glide bombs. Putin long ago decided he would keep waging war, despite the world’s calls for peace. This war must be brought to an end — pressure on the aggressor is needed, and so is protection. Protection from ballistic and other missiles, from drones, and from terror. Ukraine needs to strengthen its air defense — the thing that best protects lives. These are American systems, which we are ready to buy. We count on leadership, political will, and the support of the United States, Europe, and all our partners. I thank everyone who is helping,” Zelensky wrote.
As reported by Ukrinform, Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 475 out of 537 drones and missiles launched by Russian forces during a large-scale overnight and early morning attack on June 29.
A Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet was damaged while repelling the Russian attack, 1st class pilot Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustymenko was killed.
Photo: President’s Office
