CHERKASY, Ukraine — Ukraine’s Air Force confirmed Sunday that an F-16 fighter jet was shot down in a Russian overnight airstrike in the central Cherkasy region, killing the pilot and injuring six civilians.

The pilot was hailed for his efforts in diverting the aircraft from populated areas and downing seven Russian aerial targets before the crash.

According to the Air Force statement, the pilot was engaging waves of incoming Russian drones and missiles when his aircraft sustained critical damage.

He continued fighting and attempted to steer the plane away from residential zones, but was ultimately unable to eject in time.

“The pilot used the full arsenal of onboard weapons and shot down seven air targets,” the statement said. “He died heroically in the line of duty.”

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy paid tribute to the pilot on X, calling for a full investigation into the circumstances of his death. He also reiterated urgent appeals for enhanced air defense capabilities to counter the scale of Russian bombardments.

“Ukraine needs to strengthen its air defense — the thing that best protects lives,” Zelenskyy said. “We are ready to purchase American systems and count on the leadership and political will of the United States, Europe, and all our partners.”

The overnight Russian assault involved 477 drones and 60 missiles, of which Ukraine claims to have intercepted 211 drones and 38 missiles.

Cherkasy Governor Ihor Taburets said the airstrike also injured six people in the city of Smila, where three nine-story buildings and a college were damaged.

Emergency teams have set up a crisis response center and are assessing the full extent of the damage.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry said the strikes targeted Ukrainian military-industrial facilities and oil refineries, declaring the attack “successful” with all intended sites “hit.”

The loss of the F-16 marks a significant moment for Ukraine, which has only recently begun integrating the advanced U.S.-made jets into its defense arsenal amid hopes of shifting momentum in the ongoing war. — Agencies