Russia's Largest Air Assault Hits Civilian, Industrial Targets Across Ukraine

Russia launched its most extensive aerial assault against Ukraine on Saturday, deploying 537 aerial weapons, including 477 drones and decoys and 60 missiles, reported NDTV.

Ukrainian officials reported at least six people, including a child, were injured in the attack.

Ukrainian forces shot down 249 of these aerial weapons, while 226 were lost, likely due to electronic jamming.

This escalated bombing campaign has further diminished hopes for a peaceful resolution to the over three-year long conflict.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on X, "Almost all night long, air raid alerts sounded across Ukraine - 477 drones were in our skies, most of them Russian-Iranian Shaheds, along with 60 missiles of various types. The Russians were targeting everything that sustains life."

He added, "Tragically, while repelling the attack, our F-16 pilot, Maksym Ustymenko, died. Today (29 June), he destroyed 7 aerial targets. My condolences to his family and brothers-in-arms. I have instructed that all the circumstances of his death be investigated. Ukrainian aviation is heroically protecting our skies. I am grateful to everyone who is defending Ukraine."

"Putin long ago decided he would keep waging war, despite the world's calls for peace. This war must be brought to an end - pressure on the aggressor is needed, and so is protection," Zelensky added.

Yuriy Ihnat, head of communications for Ukraine's air force, described the onslaught as "the most massive air strike" on the country, targeting regions across Ukraine, including the west.

Poland and allied nations scrambled aircraft to secure Polish airspace.

The attack damaged three multi-story buildings and a college, and caused a large-scale fire at an industrial facility in Drohobych, Lviv region, which also resulted in power outages. One person died in a drone strike in the Kherson region.

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