Ukrainian F-16 warplane crashes amid intense Russian airstrikes, pilot killed and 16 others injured — Ukrainian spokesperson

Ukrainian F-16 warplane crashes amid intense Russian airstrikes, pilot killed and 16 others injured — Ukrainian spokesperson
[Ukraine, June 29, 2025] — A U.S.-made Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet has crashed while attempting to repel a massive Russian airstrike, resulting in the death of the pilot and injuries to at least 16 people, Ukrainian authorities confirmed on Sunday.

The strike occurred as the war enters its fourth year, with Russian attacks intensifying dramatically. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urgently called on the United States and Western allies for reinforced air defense support amid escalating threats.

Local authorities report that homes and infrastructure were severely damaged in the overnight assault across the country. As air raid sirens blared in Kyiv, families took shelter in subway stations while explosions rocked the city. The western city of Lviv, typically considered relatively safe, was also hit.

The governor of the Lviv region, which borders Poland, stated that the primary target appeared to be critical infrastructure.

The Ukrainian Air Force said the fallen pilot managed to divert the aircraft away from populated areas and destroyed seven enemy targets before the plane was critically hit. He was unable to eject before the crash.

This marks the third Ukrainian F-16 to be lost since Ukraine began operating the American-made fighter jets last year. While the exact size of Ukraine’s F-16 fleet remains undisclosed, the aircraft are considered vital to Ukraine’s defense efforts.

Ukraine’s military reported that Russia launched 477 drones and 60 missiles overnight. Of these, 211 drones and 38 missiles were intercepted, while another 225 drones were neutralized or misdirected through electronic warfare systems.

On X (formerly Twitter), President Zelenskyy wrote,

“Moscow will not stop as long as it has the capacity for massive strikes.”

He noted that just last week, Russia used 114 missiles, 1,270 drones, and 1,100 glide bombs.

Meanwhile, Russia’s state-run news agency RIA Novosti reported that a Russian-controlled area in Luhansk came under Ukrainian drone attack, leaving one person dead.

The Ukrainian government cited this large-scale assault as further evidence of the urgent need for increased Western military support, particularly from the United States, where President Donald Trump has yet to announce new aid.

Trump recently stated he is "considering" Ukraine’s request for Patriot missile systems.

Zelenskyy emphasized,

“This war must end. We must pressure the occupier, and we must protect ourselves. Air defense is the most effective way.”

He also said Ukraine is prepared to purchase U.S.-made air defense systems, depending on the political will and leadership of the U.S., European allies, and other partners.

The latest Russian attack caused large explosions in Kyiv, Lviv, Poltava, Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Cherkasy, and Ivano-Frankivsk.

Cherkasy governor Ihor Taburets reported that 11 people were injured in his region, including two children.