Zelensky Seeks U.S. Help After Russia’s Biggest Aerial Strike on Ukraine: ‘Ready to Buy American Defence Systems

Zelensky Seeks U.S. Help After Russia’s Biggest Aerial Strike on Ukraine: The president of Ukraine requested that the United States and other western powers lend their urgent assistance in order to support the Ukrainians in enhancing air defences. Zelensky claimed in an emotional appeal after the overnight massacre in Russia that the aggressor should be put under pressure and protection is required.

In what was termed by the authorities as the largest airstrike by Russia since the start of war, a Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilot was killed. It happened on Saturday, and involved 477 drones and 60 missiles as Donetsk and Ukrainian authorities say at least 12 of the people were injured.

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“The Russians were targeting everything that sustains life. A residential building in Smila was also hit, and a child was injured,” Ukranian President Zelensky wrote in a post on ‘X’.

He affirmed that an F-16 pilot, Maksym Ustymenko lost his life having shot down seven aerial objects.

As it started to operate the aircraft last year, Ukraine has lost three F-16 jets. How many of these jets are in operation by Kyiv, remains undisclosed, though these aircraft are critical to the air defence operation of the country.

According to Ukraine, the recent round of Russian attacks highlights how it desperately requires additional assistance on the part of Washington. US President Donald Trump has not shown a positive approval in the offer of the new military aid to Kyiv after taking power.

Almost all night long, air raid alerts sounded across Ukraine — 477 drones were in our skies, most of them Russian-Iranian Shaheds, along with 60 missiles of various types. The Russians were targeting everything that sustains life. A residential building in Smila was also hit,… pic.twitter.com/1ExZhYAMBg

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 29, 2025

Yet, according to a statement made by Trump himself during a visit by Zelensky to a NATO summit last Wednesday, Trump has put into consideration the request made by Ukraine to supply the country with more Patriot missile systems.

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“Putin long ago decided he would keep waging war, despite the world's calls for peace. This war must be brought to an end – pressure on the aggressor is needed, and so is protection,” Zelensky said in his X post on Sunday after the attack. "Ukraine needs to strengthen its air defence – the thing that best protects lives."

“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,” he said.

In the following days, Zelensky explained that over 114 missiles, over 1,270 drones, and almost 1,100 glide bombs were just directed to Ukraine in the past week. “Moscow will not stop as long as it has the capability to launch massive strikes,” he warned.

In the meantime, the state-run media in Russia indicated that a Ukrainian drone attack killed one in the Luhansk region that was occupied by Russia. Both parties are refuting the claim that their weapons are aimed at civilians.

In recent weeks, Russia has increased large-scale attacks, hitting Ukrainian cities once every few days and leaving plenty of destruction and death and injuries to civilians.

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