Russia’s Largest Aerial Assault on Ukraine: 537 Drones and Missiles Rock Nation on June 29, 2025

Kyiv, Ukraine – In a shocking escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war, Russia launched a massive aerial attack on Ukraine overnight on June 29, 2025, deploying 537 drones and missiles, marking one of the deadliest barrages since the conflict began in 2022. The assault targeted critical infrastructure, including oil refineries and military airfields, across cities like Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, and Dnipro, leaving a trail of destruction and loss.

Devastating Barrage Targets Ukrainian Heartland

Russia’s attack involved 477 drones and 60 high-precision missiles, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and Geranium drones, aimed at crippling Ukraine’s military and energy infrastructure. Ukraine’s Air Force reported intercepting 475 of the incoming threats, showcasing the strength of its air defenses, bolstered by recently acquired F-16 jets. Tragically, a Ukrainian F-16 pilot lost their life defending against the onslaught.

The strikes caused widespread chaos:

• Odesa: A drone strike on a residential building killed two and injured 14, including three children, one in critical condition.
• Lviv: Explosions rocked the city, with authorities urging residents to seek shelter as smoke advisories were issued in Drohobych.
• Kyiv: Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported drones approaching the capital, prompting air raid alerts and shelter warnings.
• Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia: Military and industrial targets were hit, compounding earlier casualties from Russian strikes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, calling for urgent international support, particularly additional Patriot missile systems, to bolster Ukraine’s defenses against such large-scale assaults.

Ukrainian Resilience and Counterstrikes

Despite the devastation, Ukraine fought back fiercely. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) conducted a drone strike on the Kirovske airfield in Russian-occupied Crimea, destroying three helicopters and an anti-aircraft system. Ukrainian forces also repelled Russian advances in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson while making gains near Lyman, demonstrating their unwavering resolve.

Global Reactions Amid Stalled Peace Efforts

The attack follows stalled peace talks in Istanbul, with Russian President Vladimir Putin stating that both sides’ demands remain irreconcilable. The international community has reacted with concern, as Poland scrambled jets near its border and protests in Paris highlighted tensions over NATO’s role. The war, now in its fourth year, continues to strain global geopolitics, with nearly 30,000 Russian drones deployed since 2022, causing thousands of civilian casualties.

Humanitarian and Geopolitical Fallout

This unprecedented assault underscores the brutal toll of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with civilian infrastructure bearing the brunt of Russia’s aggression. Zelenskyy emphasized, “Strengthening Ukraine’s air defense is critical to saving lives.” As the war drags on, the need for a diplomatic resolution grows urgent, yet prospects remain dim.

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Keywords: Russia Ukraine war 2025, massive drone attack Ukraine, Russian missile strike June 29, Ukraine F-16 pilot killed, Kinzhal missile attack, Zelenskyy air defense, Odesa residential strike, Kyiv air raid, Lviv explosions, Ukraine counterattack Crimea.

Meta Description: Russia unleashed 537 drones and missiles on Ukraine on June 29, 2025, targeting key cities in a massive aerial assault. Get the latest on Ukraine’s defense, casualties, and global reactions at MasalaMirror.com.

Author: Masala Mirror News Desk
Published: June 29, 2025