Russia launches most massive aerial attack on Ukraine since full-scale invasion

In what Ukrainian authorities describe as the most extensive air assault since the start of the full-scale war, Russia launched 537 aerial weapons at Ukraine overnight on June 28, including 477 drones—mostly Iranian-made Shaheds—and 60 missiles of various types. The attack spanned nearly all Ukrainian regions, including western areas far from the front lines.

Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 249 targets, while 226 are believed lost, likely due to electronic warfare, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. The strikes targeted residential areas, energy infrastructure, and other civilian sites. A residential building in Smila was hit, leaving a child injured.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack and paid tribute to F-16 pilot Maksym Ustymenko, who died while defending Ukraine's skies. “He destroyed seven aerial targets today. My condolences to his family and brothers-in-arms,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. “Ukrainian aviation is heroically protecting our skies.”

Zelenskyy emphasized the urgency of bolstering Ukraine’s air defense:

“Moscow will not stop as long as it has the capability to launch massive strikes... This week alone: over 114 missiles, 1,270 drones, nearly 1,100 glide bombs. This war must be brought to an end — pressure on the aggressor is needed, and so is protection... Ukraine needs to strengthen its air defense — the thing that best protects lives. These are American systems, which we are ready to buy.”

The Polish Air Force confirmed that NATO allied aviation was activated to secure regional airspace.

Officials in Kherson reported one civilian killed in a drone attack, while six people were injured in Cherkasy, including a child. Emergency services remain active across the country.

The attacks follow Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement suggesting Moscow’s readiness for new peace talks in Istanbul. However, observers note no signs of de-escalation, and recent international mediation efforts have yet to yield progress.