A Ukrainian F-16 pilot was killed repelling a massive Russian airstrike overnight, Ukrainian authorities said on Sunday, as Russia launched over 500 aerial weapons across Ukraine in one of the most intense barrages of the war.

F-16 Pilot Dies Protecting Civilians

According to Ukraine’s Air Force, the pilot deployed all onboard weapons and shot down seven air targets before his F-16 was critically hit. He steered the jet away from populated areas but was unable to eject in time.

This marks Ukraine’s third F-16 loss since acquiring the jets. Kyiv has not disclosed how many F-16s it currently operates.

Scale of the Russian Attack

Russia launched 477 drones and 60 missiles overnight. Ukraine destroyed 211 drones and 38 missiles, officials said. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy noted that just this week, Russia has fired over 1,270 drones, 114 missiles, and 1,100 glide bombs, underscoring Moscow’s intensifying air campaign.

Explosions were recorded in Lviv, Poltava, Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Cherkasy, and Ivano-Frankivsk. Civilian targets included homes, schools, and industrial sites.

Zelenskiy Urges Western Support

Following the attack, Zelenskiy renewed calls for Western air defense systems, particularly U.S.-made Patriot batteries, during a meeting with President Trump in The Hague. “Moscow will not stop,” he said. “We need protection—from missiles, drones, and terror.”

Zelenskiy said Ukraine is ready to purchase systems if offered but needs political will and support from the U.S. and Europe.