Kyiv: In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a sweeping aerial offensive across Ukraine on the night of June 28, targeting multiple regions with a barrage of drones and missiles. Ukrainian authorities confirmed that at least six civilians were injured and widespread infrastructural damage was reported, making this one of the most intense air attacks since the war began in 2022.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, the Russian military deployed a staggering 477 drones and 60 missiles in the attack. Of these, 211 aerial threats were successfully shot down, while 225 drones were neutralized through electronic warfare systems. Despite the strong defensive response, several missiles and drones broke through the shields, causing destruction in major cities like Kyiv, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Dnipro, Poltava, and Cherkasy.
Among the most tragic incidents of the night was the death of a Ukrainian F 16 pilot, who is reported to have taken down seven Russian targets before his aircraft was struck. Demonstrating extraordinary courage, he maneuvered the damaged jet away from populated areas to avoid civilian casualties. Unfortunately, he was unable to eject in time and died in the crash. The pilot’s death marks a solemn moment in Ukraine’s ongoing defence and underscores the perils faced by its Air Force during Russia’s sustained aerial campaign.
In the Cherkasy region, three residential buildings and a college sustained heavy damage, injuring civilians including children. Similar scenes were reported in Mykolaiv, where an industrial facility was hit, and in Poltava, where a critical railway link was damaged. These strikes highlight Russia’s continued effort to cripple Ukraine’s infrastructure and logistics, especially as Kyiv attempts to stabilize its war-torn economy.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy responded with a renewed call for advanced Western air defence systems, particularly Patriot missiles, to bolster Ukraine's capability to repel such large-scale attacks. He noted that the increasing ferocity of Russian air assaults has made Ukraine’s need for international military support more urgent than ever.
On the international front, the airstrike occurred just as Ukrainian leaders continue to lobby Western allies for stronger defensive commitments. With the U.S. preparing its next military aid package and NATO nations assessing the situation, this attack adds pressure on the global community to act decisively.
This latest offensive came just days after another record-breaking aerial raid, and Ukrainian officials warn that Russia is likely to continue this strategy as part of a broader campaign to exhaust Ukraine’s air defences and demoralize its civilian population.
As the war drags into its third year, Friday’s assault has once again made clear that the skies over Ukraine remain a volatile and deadly front. With civilians at risk and critical infrastructure under siege, the country’s resilience will hinge on both its internal resolve and the strength of international solidarity.