Translated with AI
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Western allies to step up support for Kyiv, especially in the area of air defense, after another massive attack by Russia on the night of June 29. According to the head of state, the missile and drone strikes were aimed at critical infrastructure and facilities that “ensure life.”
"Unfortunately, our F-16 pilot Maksym Ustimenko died while repelling the attack. Today he destroyed seven air targets. My condolences to his family and brothers. I have instructed that all circumstances of the death be investigated," Zelensky wrote on social media.
The president specified that over the past week, Russian troops have launched more than 114 missiles, about 1,270 drones and almost 1,100 guided air bombs at Ukraine. "Moscow will not stop as long as it has the ability to carry out massive strikes… Putin has long decided that he will continue to fight, despite the world's calls for peace," he said.
Zelensky stressed the need to increase international pressure on Russia and increase supplies of modern air defense systems, primarily American Patriot systems. "We need to end the war, we need pressure on the aggressor, we need protection – from ballistics, missiles and drones. Ukraine needs to strengthen its air defense – what best protects life," the president noted.
During a meeting with former US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague on June 25, the possible delivery of such systems was discussed. According to Zelensky, Trump acknowledged the high international demand for Patriot, but did not rule out that some of the systems could be sent to Ukraine.
