President Volodymyr Zelensky has responded to the massive overnight Russian attack that targeted Ukraine for nearly the entire night. According to him, Ukraine’s skies were filled with 477 drones — most of them Russian-Iranian Shaheds — and 60 missiles of various types.
“They struck everything that keeps life going,” Zelensky said. In particular, enemy missiles hit a residential building in Smila, Cherkasy region, injuring a child. Emergency services are working at all impact sites.
The President also confirmed the loss of a Ukrainian pilot — F-16 pilot Maksym Ustymenko was killed while repelling the attack after destroying seven aerial targets. Zelensky offered condolences to the pilot’s family and comrades and ordered a full investigation into the circumstances of his death.
He stressed that Moscow will not stop as long as it has the capability to launch massive strikes. Just this week alone, Russia has fired over 114 missiles, more than 1,270 drones and around 1,100 guided bombs.
“It’s necessary to end this war, to keep up pressure on the aggressor, to strengthen our defenses. Ukraine must boost its air defense,” Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine counts on leadership, political will and support from the United States, Europe and all partners — including the supply of modern air defense systems.