Ukrainian F-16 pilot killed as Russia launches 477 drones, 60 missiles; Zelenskyy urges West: ‘We're ready to buy Patriots'

Time of India

18 hours ago

A Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilot was killed while defending the country from one of Russia's most intense aerial attacks in months, Ukrainian officials said on Sunday. The pilot, hailed for shooting down seven Russian air targets before his aircraft was struck, died while steering the damaged jet away from a populated area.
The overnight assault, which involved hundreds of drones and missiles, left at least seven civilians injured and caused widespread damage across several regions, triggering renewed calls from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for urgent Western air defense support.
Top 10 key points-
Ukrainian F-16 pilot killed after intercepting seven Russian targets:
A Ukrainian fighter pilot died while defending against a large-scale Russian air assault overnight. According to Ukraine's Air Force, the pilot successfully destroyed seven incoming targets using all onboard weapons.
His aircraft was hit while downing the final target. Though he diverted the jet away from a populated area, he did not have enough time to eject. This marks the third Ukrainian F-16 lost since the war began.
Massive overnight Russian barrage: 477 drones, 60 missiles launched:
Ukrainian military officials said Russia launched 477 drones and 60 missiles in one of the heaviest overnight strikes in recent weeks. The assault included cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as glide bombs, continuing a trend of high-intensity night attacks targeting Ukrainian infrastructure and defenses.
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Ukraine shoots down 211 drones, 38 missiles; 225 declared decoys or diverted:
In response, Ukrainian defense forces deployed all available systems and intercepted 211 drones and 38 missiles. The Air Force added that another 225 drones were either diverted using electronic warfare techniques or turned out to be drone simulators carrying no warheads.
Civilians injured, buildings damaged in multiple regions:
The attacks injured at least seven people, including a child in the Cherkasy region. Governor Ihor Taburets said three multi-storey buildings and a college were hit.
One woman was injured in the western Ivano-Frankivsk region. Local authorities shared images showing blackened walls, blown-out windows, and emergency workers rescuing civilians.
Industrial facilities hit in Mykolaiv and Dnipropetrovsk:
Strikes targeted industrial sites in central and southern Ukraine, including Mykolaiv and Dnipropetrovsk. Officials are still assessing the scale of the damage.
Air raid sirens and explosions reported in at least six regions:
Explosions were reported in Lviv, Poltava, Mykolaiv, Cherkasy, Dnipropetrovsk, and Ivano-Frankivsk as air raid sirens sounded throughout the night.
The Ukrainian military confirmed air strikes in six separate locations.
Zelenskyy calls for urgent air defense aid after latest wave:
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, responding to the overnight barrage, again appealed to Western allies for more robust air defense systems. 'This war must be brought to an end, pressure on the aggressor is needed, and so is protection,' he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). 'Ukraine needs to strengthen its air defense, the thing that best protects lives.'
Ukraine ready to buy
Patriot missile systems
, says Zelenskyy:
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is ready to purchase US-made Patriot missile batteries. He said he had raised the issue directly with US President Donald Trump during their meeting in The Hague last week. 'Now we count on leadership, political will, and the support of the United States, Europe, and all our partners,' he wrote.
Russia ramping up attacks - 1,270 drones and 114 missiles this week alone:
Zelenskyy warned that Russia has sharply escalated its offensive in recent days. 'Just this week alone, there have been more than 114 missiles, over 1,270 drones, and nearly 1,100 glide bombs,' he said, underscoring the urgency of international support.
Air Force confirms pilot's heroism in final moments:
In its statement, the Ukrainian Air Force highlighted the fallen pilot's courage. 'The pilot used all of his onboard weapons and shot down seven air targets,' it said. 'While shooting down the last one, his aircraft was damaged and began to lose altitude.' His actions helped save civilian lives, even though it cost him his own.