Russia Unleashes Unprecedented Air Strike on Ukraine
In the most intense aerial offensive since the Russia-Ukraine war began, Russia launched a massive overnight assault involving 477 drones and 60 missiles. Ukrainian officials confirmed this was the largest single aerial strike in the conflict’s history, targeting military installations, infrastructure, and civilian zones across multiple regions.
The coordinated attack was launched just after midnight, setting off air raid sirens in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Lviv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as an act of terror aimed at destabilizing the country’s defenses and civilian morale.
Ukrainian Defences Hold, But Damage Reported
Despite the scale of the attack, Ukraine’s air defense systems—largely supported by Western nations—intercepted a significant number of the drones and missiles. However, some projectiles made it through, damaging power grids, fuel depots, and communication towers. Emergency crews worked throughout the night to contain fires and restore essential services.
Ukrainian officials confirmed several injuries and at least 9 civilian deaths in areas hit by falling debris and missile strikes.
F-16 Fighter Jet Shot Down: Pilot Killed
In a major loss for Ukraine’s air power, an F-16 fighter jet was shot down during the interception effort. The pilot, whose name has not been officially released, was reportedly one of the country’s top fighter aviators. The aircraft was attempting to engage incoming Russian targets when it was hit by a Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile.
This marks the first confirmed downing of an F-16 in Ukrainian service since their delivery from NATO allies earlier this year. The incident highlights the high-risk environment in Ukrainian skies, despite the deployment of advanced Western aircraft.
Global Reaction and Strategic Implications
The attack has drawn sharp condemnation from NATO, the European Union, and the United States. Western leaders called the strike a violation of international norms and have vowed to accelerate the delivery of advanced air defense systems to Ukraine.
Military analysts see this as a strategic push by Russia to break Ukrainian resistance and test the effectiveness of Western-supplied weaponry. With tensions rising, the international community now faces growing pressure to respond more decisively.
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