Russia hits Ukraine with biggest attack of the war; F-16 pilot is killed

Neighboring Poland scrambled jets and activated its ground-based air defense units into readiness mode because of the attacks across the border in Ukraine.

Ukraine used its full arsenal to repel the attack, including combat aircraft, officials said. F-16 fighter jets provided by Western allies have become a key tool for defending against Russia’s missile attacks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said one F-16 pilot was killed. “Tragically, while repelling the attack, our F-16 pilot, Maksym Ustymenko, died. Today, he destroyed seven aerial targets,” Zelenskyy said in a statement on Sunday.

“Ustymenko did everything possible, but his jet was damaged and started losing altitude, the air force added. “He died like a hero!”

Since the start of its summer offensive, Moscow has increased its attacks on Ukraine’s cities. “Just this week alone, there have been more than 114 missiles, over 1,270 drones, and nearly 1,100 glide bombs,” Zelenskyy said. “Putin long ago decided he would keep waging war, despite the world’s calls for peace.”

The Ukrainian president renewed his calls for allies to help protect Ukraine and to pressure Moscow to end the war.