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Russia Fired 537 Weapons in Largest Airstrike of the War on Ukraine
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![Amira_barkhush]( "Photo of Amira Barkhush")
Russia launched one of its most intense airstrikes against Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion on June 29, the Financial Times reported.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia launched a total of 537 airborne weapons during the night of June 29, including 477 strike drones and decoys, as well as 60 missiles of various types. Ukrainian air defense units managed to shoot down 211 drones and 38 missiles.
The outlet stated that the scale of the assault signals a new phase in the Kremlin’s aggressive strategy, aimed at exhausting Ukraine’s air defense system. Ukrainian officials believe Moscow is preparing to intensify both its aerial bombardments and ground offensives over the summer.
Over the past week alone, Russia has launched more than 114 missiles, over 1,270 drones, and nearly 1,100 glide bombs against Ukraine, officials said.
“This war must be brought to an end, pressure on the aggressor is needed, and so is protection,” Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said. “Ukraine needs to strengthen its air defense–the thing that best protects lives.”
On June 29, Ukrainian Air Force pilot Lt. Col. Maksym Ustymenko was killed during a nighttime combat sortie while repelling one of the most extensive Russian air attacks since the start of the full-scale invasion.
