A Ukrainian pilot was killed and an F-16 fighter jet was lost following a large-scale aerial assault by Russia involving hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, the Ukrainian military confirmed on Sunday.

The air force identified the pilot as 1st Class Lt. Col. Maksym Ustymenko. He is the third F-16 pilot Ukraine has lost since the country began operating the jets last summer. Ustymenko reportedly steered his aircraft away from a populated area before impact, but did not have time to eject.

President Volodymyr Zelensky praised Ustymenko for destroying seven targets before his death and lauded the air force's continued defense of Ukrainian skies. Only a limited number of Ukrainian pilots have completed the extensive training required to fly the U.S.-made F-16s.

Zelensky stated that Russia launched 477 drones and 60 missiles overnight, targeting six different locations in one of the most extensive aerial assaults to date. He renewed calls for greater aerial defense support from Western allies, emphasizing the need for protection against ballistic missiles, drones, and other airborne threats.

Ukraine's military reported intercepting 211 drones and 38 missiles during the assault. Civilian areas, including a tent shelter in Smila, were hit, injuring at least 11 people, among them two children. Several residential buildings, schools, and a psychiatric hospital were damaged, according to regional authorities.

The Ukrainian president reiterated the country’s intention to purchase additional air defense systems, including the U.S.-made Patriot system, amid concerns over dwindling missile stockpiles.

Meanwhile, Ukraine announced its formal withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty, which bans the use of anti-personnel landmines. Zelensky signed a decree initiating the process, stating it reflected the realities of the war, where Russia—non-signatory to the treaty—has reportedly used landmines extensively.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry stated the decision was difficult but necessary for national defense. The country remains one of the most heavily mined in the world, with large portions of land inaccessible to civilians.

The withdrawal still requires approval by Ukraine's parliament.

Human rights organizations have previously documented landmine use by both Russia and Ukraine. The move brings Ukraine in line with other countries near Russia, such as Finland, Poland, and the Baltic states, which have also reconsidered their participation in the treaty for national security reasons.