Ukrainian F-16 damaged while repelling Russian large-scale attack, pilot killed

The Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported this on Facebook, according to Ukrinform.

“On the night of June 29, 2025, Russian invaders launched another massive missile and drone strike on Ukraine, using various types of missiles and attack UAVs. In total, there were more than 500 aerial targets,” the statement said.

All available assets of the Ukrainian Defense Forces capable of countering Russian aerial threats were activated during the attack. Air Force aviation—particularly F-16 aircraft—played a key role, with pilots successfully intercepting dozens of Shahed drones.

“The work of Ukrainian fighter jets is extremely dangerous and risky, whether targeting enemy positions on the ground or defending against aerial attacks. Yet despite the risks, our pilots continue to carry out combat missions with outstanding courage and precision,” the Air Force stated.

Unfortunately, on the night of the massive air attack, Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustymenko, born in 1993, was killed while piloting an F-16 fighter jet in defense of Ukraine.

“The pilot deployed the full arsenal of onboard weapons, successfully downing seven enemy targets. During the final engagement, his aircraft was struck and began to lose altitude. Maksym Ustymenko made every effort to steer the jet away from populated areas, but there was not enough time to eject. He died a hero,” the Air Force reported.

As reported by Ukrinform, on the night of June 29, Russian forces launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine, deploying both missiles and drones.