Russia Launches Massive Aerial Barrage on Ukraine: 477 Drones, 60 Missiles Fired; F-16 Shot Down, Pilot Killed

In a major escalation of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Moscow launched what Ukrainian officials have described as the largest assault since the war began. In the early hours of June 29, 2025, Russia fired 477 drones and 60 missiles in a sweeping aerial attack across multiple Ukrainian regions. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, this was the biggest aerial attack of the war, marking a new chapter in the Russia Ukraine War as the conflict nears its fourth year.

F-16 Shot Down, Heroic Pilot Killed

In a heartbreaking turn of events, an F-16 fighter jet operated by the Ukrainian Air Force was downed during the counter offensive. The pilot, Lt. Col. Maksym Ustimenko, reportedly intercepted seven aerial threats before his jet was struck. Rather than ejecting over a populated area, he steered the damaged aircraft away from civilians, sacrificing his life in the process. The Ukrainian president posthumously hailed him a “Hero of Ukraine,” with tributes pouring in from around the world.

Ukraine’s Air Defence in Action

Despite the scale of the attack, Ukrainian forces responded with what officials described as a “remarkably efficient” defence effort. Of the 477 drones launched by Russia, 436 were shot down, alongside 38 of the 60 missiles. This defense helped limit casualties and infrastructure damage, though critical energy and transportation sectors were still affected. Air raid sirens echoed through major cities as rescue operations continued amid the rubble and blackout zones.

Russia’s Strategy: Fear and Fatigue

This Ukraine latest largest assault by Russia is widely seen as an attempt to break civilian morale and overwhelm air defence systems ahead of anticipated Ukrainian counterattacks. Military analysts believe that Moscow is trying to stretch Ukraine’s resources thin as Western military aid faces delays. According to NATO sources, the attack pattern displayed increased drone-to-missile coordination, possibly pointing to new Russian battlefield tactics as the Russia Ukraine conflict evolves.

A Night That Redefined the Conflict

The scale and intensity of this assault mark a grim milestone in the Russia Ukraine War, highlighting not just the growing sophistication of Russia’s offensive capabilities but also the unshakable resolve of Ukraine’s defense forces. The downing of 436 drones and 38 missiles in a single night speaks volumes about Ukraine’s resilience, even as tragedy, like the loss of the F-16 pilot, reminds us of the personal cost behind the headlines.