Russia unleashes massive aerial assault on Ukraine with over 500 drones and missiles

In the early morning of June 29, 2025, Russia initiated its largest aerial attack against Ukraine since the onset of the conflict in February 2022. This assault involved the launch of 537 aerial weapons, comprising 477 drones and decoys, as well as 60 different types of missiles. Ukraine's air force reported that its defenses were able to intercept 249 of these aerial threats. Despite these efforts, the overwhelming scale of the attack resulted in significant damages and casualties across several regions in Ukraine including Cherkasy, Kherson, and Lviv. The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, condemned the attack, emphasizing that it highlighted Russia's relentless strategy to target civilian life and infrastructure. The assault led to civilian casualties, with reports indicating that at least one person was killed in the Kherson region, and several others were injured, including a child in Cherkasy. This attack marked a pivotal escalation in the ongoing war, dashing hopes for peace as negotiations remain stalled. Furthermore, Ukrainian pilot Maksym Ustymenko was reported lost during the attack after he successfully shot down seven aerial targets before his F-16 was damaged. His actions exemplified the dangers faced by Ukrainian forces as they work to defend their airspace. Following these events, Poland and allied nations scrambled aircraft as a precautionary measure to safeguard their own airspace from potential threats. As the conflict persists, the international community has been called upon to enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities, as President Zelenskyy reiterated the need for support from Western allies. The significant size of the recent assault emphasizes the ongoing volatility of the situation, indicating that efforts towards a resolution must be bolstered to prevent further tragedies and ensure the safety of civilians in Ukraine.