On June 29, a Ukrainian pilot was killed when a US-made F-16 crashed while fighting a large-scale airstrike from Russia.
According to the Ukrainian air force, the pilot destroyed 7 targets before the plane lost altitude and crashed without being able to escape. The fighter jet was previously controlled out of the residential area by the pilot.
The attack took place at night with a total of 477 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and 60 missiles of various types launched by Russia into Ukrainian territory. The Ukrainian military said it shot down 211 UAVs and 38 missiles, while the remaining 225 UAVs were disabled by electronic warfare or just as prey.
President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the US and its Western allies to increase support for air defense systems for Ukraine, emphasizing that this is the most effective means of protection for civilians.
Mr Zelensky said that in just one week, Russia launched about 114 missiles, 1,270 drones and 1,100 bombs all over Ukraine. Mr Zelensky stressed that the conflict could only end if there was enough pressure on Russia and needed strong support from the US, Europe and partners.
This is the third F-16 that Ukraine has lost since the plane was added to the payroll last year. Although Kiev has not announced the specific number of F-16s it owns, the fighter has become an important part of Ukraine's air defense.
