Zelensky Urges U.S. Support After Russia Launches Largest Aerial Attack on Ukraine: ‘We’re Ready to Buy American Defense Systems’

Ukraine says the latest wave of Russian attacks highlights the critical need for increased support from Washington.;

By :  Palakshi
Update: 2025-06-29 14:40 GMT
Zelensky Urges U.S. Support After Russia Launches Largest Aerial Attack on Ukraine: ‘We’re Ready to Buy American Defense Systems’
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a heartfelt plea for urgent support from the United States and its Western allies to help bolster Ukraine’s air defences, following one of the deadliest aerial assaults since the war began.

In an emotional message posted after Saturday's massive overnight attack by Russian forces, Zelensky emphasized the need for both military assistance and international pressure on the Kremlin. “Pressure on the aggressor is needed, and so is protection,” he said.

The assault involved a staggering 477 drones and 60 missiles, leaving at least 12 people injured and causing significant damage across several regions, according to Ukrainian officials. Among the casualties was F-16 fighter pilot Maksym Ustymenko, who was killed after reportedly downing seven Russian air targets. Zelensky confirmed his death, calling him a hero of Ukraine’s skies.

“The Russians were targeting everything that sustains life,” Zelensky wrote on X (formerly Twitter), noting that a residential building in Smila was hit, injuring a child.

Ukraine has now lost three F-16 jets since it began using the U.S.-made aircraft, which have become a critical part of the country’s air defence system. While Kyiv has not disclosed the exact number of jets it currently operates, Zelensky stressed that more are urgently needed.

He pointed out that the recent wave of strikes is a clear signal that Ukraine cannot face Russia’s aggression alone. “Ukraine needs to strengthen its air defence – the thing that best protects lives,” he said. “These are American systems, which we are ready to buy. We count on leadership, political will, and the support of the United States, Europe, and all our partners. I thank everyone who is helping.”

Zelensky also warned that the scale of Russia’s attacks is only escalating. Over the past week alone, he said, Russian forces had launched more than 114 missiles, 1,270 drones, and nearly 1,100 glide bombs against Ukraine. “Moscow will not stop as long as it has the capability to launch massive strikes,” he cautioned.

Meanwhile, Russia’s state media reported that a Ukrainian drone strike killed one person in the Russian-occupied Luhansk region. Both Ukraine and Russia continue to deny deliberately targeting civilians.

In recent weeks, Russia has significantly ramped up its aerial assaults, striking Ukrainian cities every few days. These attacks have resulted in widespread destruction, civilian casualties, and growing concern about the country’s ability to defend itself without renewed international support.

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