𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

A Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilot died in a crash while repelling a Russian air attack that involved hundreds of drones, cruise and ballistic missiles, authorities said yesterday, as Moscow intensifies night-time air barrages in the fourth year of war.

“Tragically, while repelling the attack, our F-16 pilot, Maksym Ustymenko died,” said president Volodymyr Zelensky.

“Today, he destroyed 7 aerial targets.

“My condolences to his family and brothers-in-arms. I have instructed that all the circumstances of his death be investigated. Ukrainian aviation is heroically protecting our skies. I am grateful to everyone who is defending Ukraine.”

Mr Zelensky called for more support from Washington and Western allies to bolster Ukraine’s air defences after the attack, which damaged homes and infrastructure across the country and injured at least 12 people, according to local authorities.

Russia launched its “most massive airstrike” on Ukraine since the start of the war as part of an escalating bombing campaign, dashing hopes of a ceasefire.

Air raid alerts sounded “almost all night long” on Saturday as Russia fired a total of 537 aerial weapons at Ukraine, including 477 drones – mostly Russian-Iranian Shaheds, plus a number of decoys – and 60 missiles.

The attack targeted several regions, including west Ukraine, far from the front line.

Ukraine’s air force said it had managed to shoot down 249 and a further 226 were lost, likely having been electronically jammed.