Ukrainian F-16 pilot killed during overnight Russian attacks, President Zelensky says

The Ukrainian Air Force has confirmed that one of its F-16 fighter jet pilots was killed during a night-time operation to repel a massive wave of Russian missile and drone attacks.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the pilot — Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustymenko — died heroically while defending Ukrainian skies. “Tragically, while repelling the attack, our F-16 pilot, Maksym Ustymenko, died. Today, he destroyed 7 aerial targets. My condolences to his family and brothers-in-arms,” Zelenskyy wrote on X, adding that an investigation has been launched into the exact circumstances of the incident.

“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,” Zelenskyy stated. A residential building in Smila was hit, injuring a child.

Several Western countries, including the Netherlands and Denmark, have delivered F-16s to Ukraine to bolster its air defence. The origin of the downed aircraft was not disclosed. Belgium has also pledged two F-16s for Ukraine, which will be used for spare parts rather than combat missions.

President Zelenskyy emphasised that “Ukraine needs to strengthen its air defence — the thing that best protects lives,” and reiterated his call for international support, particularly American air defence systems, to counter ongoing Russian aggression.

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,… pic.twitter.com/1ExZhYAMBg

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / ????????? ?????????? (@ZelenskyyUa) June 29, 2025