Russia Launches Massive Aerial Attack on Ukraine: Over 500 Drones and Missiles Target Key Infrastructure – June 29, 2025

Kyiv, Ukraine – On the night of June 29, 2025, Russia executed one of the largest aerial assaults on Ukraine since the onset of the conflict in February 2022, deploying a staggering 537 aerial weapons, including 477 drones and 60 missiles, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. The attack targeted critical military and industrial infrastructure, including oil refineries and military airfields across multiple Ukrainian regions, intensifying the ongoing war now in its fourth year.

Unprecedented Scale of Attack

The Russian Armed Forces launched a combined strike using high-precision long-range weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles, and Geranium drones. The assault struck regions such as Lviv, Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Dnipro, and Odesa, with explosions reported across the country. Ukrainian authorities confirmed that the attack caused significant damage to infrastructure, with power outages reported in some areas and smoke advisories issued in Drohobych, Lviv region.

Tragically, a Ukrainian F-16 pilot was killed during the defense against the barrage, highlighting the intensity of the aerial combat. Ukraine’s Air Force reported shooting down 475 of the incoming drones and missiles, showcasing the resilience of its air defense systems, which included combat aircraft like the recently acquired F-16 jets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed calls for enhanced air defense support from the United States, specifically requesting additional Patriot missile systems to counter such large-scale attacks.

Impact on Ukrainian Cities

The strikes caused widespread disruption:

• Lviv: Residents were urged to stay in shelters as explosions rocked the city, with critical infrastructure targeted.
• Kyiv: Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned of drones heading toward the capital, prompting residents to seek safety in metro stations.
• Odesa: A drone attack on a residential high-rise killed two people and injured 14, including three children, one in critical condition.
• Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia: Military airfields and industrial facilities were hit, with significant casualties reported in prior attacks this week.

The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed all intended targets, including Ukraine’s military-industrial complex and oil refineries, were successfully hit. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces reported repelling enemy advances in regions like Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, with counterattacks inflicting losses on Russian troops.

International Reactions and Context

The attack comes amid stalled peace talks, with recent negotiations in Istanbul yielding no progress. Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that Russia and Ukraine’s demands remain “absolutely contradictory,” further dimming hopes for a ceasefire. Internationally, the assault has drawn attention, with Poland scrambling aircraft in response to the proximity of the strikes to its border.

Zelenskyy emphasized the need for stronger international support, stating, “Ukraine must strengthen its air defense — the thing that best protects lives.” The attack follows a pattern of escalating Russian strikes, with nearly 30,000 drones deployed since the war began, causing over 3,000 civilian casualties.

Ukrainian Resilience and Counterattacks

Despite the barrage, Ukraine demonstrated its defensive capabilities and launched counterstrikes. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) reported a successful drone attack on the Kirovske military airfield in Russian-occupied Crimea, destroying three helicopters and an anti-aircraft system. Ukrainian forces also advanced near Lyman and held defensive lines in Pokrovsk, showcasing their determination to resist Russian aggression.

Ongoing Conflict and Global Implications

This latest escalation underscores the relentless nature of the Russia-Ukraine war, now in its 1,221st day. With no immediate resolution in sight, the conflict continues to exact a heavy toll on civilian life and infrastructure. The international community remains divided, with protests in Paris against NATO’s involvement and calls for a new European security architecture that includes Russia.

As the war persists, Ukraine’s call for advanced air defense systems grows louder, while Russia’s intensified bombing campaign signals a renewed push to weaken Ukrainian resistance. The global focus remains on the humanitarian and geopolitical ramifications of this protracted conflict.

Stay updated with NriGlobe.com for the latest news on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and global developments.

Keywords: Russia Ukraine war, June 29 2025 attack, Ukraine F-16 pilot killed, Russian missile strike, Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, Ukraine air defense, Zelenskyy Patriot systems, Lviv explosions, Odesa drone attack, Kyiv air raid, Russian military operation.

Meta Description: Russia launched its largest aerial attack on Ukraine on June 29, 2025, with 537 drones and missiles targeting key infrastructure. Learn about the impact, Ukrainian defenses, and global reactions in this breaking news update from NriGlobe.com.

Author: NriGlobe News Team
Published: June 29, 2025