Ukraine Loses F-16 Fighter Jet and Pilot in Largest Russian Aerial Assault of War

June 30, 2025 – Ukraine has confirmed that it has suffered the loss of an F-16 fighter jet acquired from Western countries and the martyrdom of its experienced pilot, Lieutenant Colonel Maksim Ustimenko. This tragic incident took place on June 29 during the biggest air strike ever carried out by Russia. After this attack, NATO countries, especially Poland, also deployed fighter jets in the sky and declared high alert in view of the threat.

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537 air strikes

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia fired 537 air weapons on Saturday night, including 477 drones and decoys and 60 missiles. This attack was carried out targeting several areas of Ukraine. Air Force officer Colonel Yuri Ignat said that a large number of houses and infrastructure were damaged in the attacks, and many civilians were also killed.

Pilot Maksim Ustimenko died 

While protecting the country's air borders. 32-year-old Lieutenant Colonel Maksim Ustimenko, a first-class fighter pilot, was martyred while protecting the country's air borders. He shot down seven Russian targets with an F-16 aircraft, but his plane was damaged while intercepting the last target. He avoided a collision by turning the plane away from crowded areas, but could not get out in time.

President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded him Ukraine's highest national honor posthumously, calling him a "true hero of the country." Ustimenko had been serving in the Ukrainian army since 2014.

Ukraine has lost its third F-16 aircraft so far

This is the third of the F-16 aircraft received from Western countries in 2024 that Ukraine has lost. After this incident, Ukraine has once again reiterated its demand for advanced air defense systems, especially Patriot missile batteries, to deal with the growing Russian air threats.

NATO's strong response

In response to the Russian attack, Poland's operational command activated emergency protocols and deployed its fighter jets and NATO aircraft, and ground-based air defense systems were also put on high alert. Although no Russian drone or missile entered Poland's border, the alertness of NATO countries shows how seriously the tension is being taken in the countries bordering Ukraine.

Russia's claim and growing crisis

Russia's Defense Ministry has taken responsibility for the attack and said that they used "high-precision long-range" weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. They claim that the attack was carried out targeting Ukraine's military and energy-related structures. Also, Russia has talked about capturing the village of Novoukrainka in the Donetsk region and shooting down three Ukrainian drones.