Ukraine says F-16s played key role in repelling large-scale Russian air assault

Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets intercepted nearly all cruise missiles launched by Russia from strategic aircraft during a large-scale nighttime attack on Ukraine, according to RBС-Ukraine.

The outlet cited comments by Yurii Ihnat, head of the communications department of the Air Force Command of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, who described the operation as exceptionally effective. He said that although Kinzhal missiles were not intercepted by Patriot air defence systems, they failed to reach their intended targets. Of the 35 cruise missiles launched, 34 were shot down, with the majority intercepted by F-16 aircraft. Ihnat praised Ukrainian pilots for their role in repelling the attack.

He added that decisions on where ground-based air defence systems, interceptor drones, and manned aircraft are deployed are made by military command authorities, depending on operational requirements.

The interceptions took place during another combined overnight assault by Russian forces on Ukraine, involving attack drones and multiple types of missiles. According to available information, Russia used more than 600 drones and dozens of missiles in the strike.

The attacks hit several regions of the country, leaving at least four people dead and more than 20 injured.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the assault as another clear act of Russian aggression. Writing on Telegram, he said that a massive Russian strike had been underway since the night, primarily targeting Ukraine’s energy sector and civilian infrastructure, effectively striking “all life-supporting infrastructure.” Zelenskyy said more than 650 drones had been used, a significant number of them Shahed drones, along with more than three dozen missiles. He expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed.

Zelenskyy said that at least 13 regions of Ukraine were affected by the combined Russian attack. He stressed that the timing of the strike underscored Russia’s priorities, noting that it came just before Christmas, when people want to be with their families at home and in safety, and at a moment when negotiations aimed at ending the war are ongoing. He added that Vladimir Putin “still cannot accept that he must stop killing,” arguing that this shows international pressure on Russia remains insufficient.

In response to the massive Russian assault, Poland scrambled fighter jets, while its ground-based air defence systems and radar reconnaissance assets were placed on heightened readiness, according to the Polish Armed Forces command.

By Tamilla Hasanova