After suffering the most intense aerial attack since the war began in 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked the United States and its allies to act quickly and provide advanced air defence systems. The request came after a deadly overnight Russian missile and drone strike, which killed an F-16 pilot and injured at least 12 civilians, including a child.

President Zelensky said Ukraine is even ready to buy American-made defence systems if needed. In a post shared on social media on Sunday, he confirmed that Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustymenko, a fighter pilot flying an F-16 jet, died while trying to intercept seven Russian targets. His plane was hit during the final attack and crashed before he could eject safely.

According to Ukrainian officials, 477 drones and 60 missiles were launched during the assault, which hit residential areas and public infrastructure in several regions across central and southern Ukraine.

"The Russians were targeting everything that sustains life," Zelensky said, adding that homes, energy facilities, and public places were all attacked.

Ukraine says it needs protection before it's too late

Zelensky warned that Moscow may soon increase these kinds of strikes and said Ukraine must be better prepared to defend itself.

"Ukraine needs to strengthen its air defence – the thing that best protects lives," he said.
"These are American systems, which we are ready to buy. We count on leadership, political will, and the support of the United States, Europe, and all our partners."

In just one week, Russia has launched more than 1,270 drones, 114 missiles, and nearly 1,100 glide bombs, according to Ukrainian reports. Zelensky said this proves Russia has no intention of stopping and called for faster action from allies.

Ukraine has lost three F-16 jets since it began using them. These jets were given by NATO countries like Denmark and the Netherlands last year. The United States, under President Donald Trump’s leadership, has not yet approved any new military aid for Ukraine. However, Ukrainian leaders are hoping that European support and stronger international pressure will help speed up the delivery of systems like Patriot and NASAMS, which can stop high-speed missiles.

Russia continues attacks; Kyiv denies hitting civilians

In the Russian-occupied Luhansk region, Moscow claimed that a Ukrainian drone strike killed one person. But Kyiv has denied targeting any civilians. Russia has been increasing its air attacks almost every day recently, hitting cities across Ukraine. Zelensky said this pattern is meant to break the spirit of the people and overwhelm Ukrainian defence forces.

Even though Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently called for peace talks, Ukraine says the ongoing attacks show that Russia is not serious about peace.

"Putin long ago decided he would keep waging war," Zelensky said.
"This war must be brought to an end – pressure on the aggressor is needed, and so is protection."

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