Selensky confirms: Ukraine has deployed F-16 fighter jets to repel Russian mass missile attack

The Ukrainian Air Force deployed F-16 jets on August 26 as part of its defense against Russia's massive missile and drone attack, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed during a press conference on August 27.

Russia targeted 15 of Ukraine's 24 oblasts on August 26, launching more than 200 missiles and drones in the largest airstrike on Ukraine.

The attacks hit several civilian facilities as well as energy and fuel facilities, including a dam in Kyiv, part of the Kyiv Hydroelectric Power Station, Seven people were killed and at least 47 others were injured.

Of the 127 missiles and 109 drones fired by Russia during the morning attack, Ukraine shot down 102 missiles and 99 drones.

The F-16s had achieved “very good results,” Zelensky told reporters. “As part of this major attack, we shot down several missiles and drones with the help of the F-16.”

“We thank our partners for providing the F-16. Of course, this is not enough, we do not have many of them and we still need to train pilots,” Zelensky added.

Ukraine received its first F-16s in early August, a year after its allies formed the fighter jet coalition to provide Ukraine with training and aircraft.

Kiev was promised at least 79 F-16 fighter jets by the Netherlands, Denmark, NorwayAnd BelgiumUkraine has reportedly received ten jets so far.

The F-16s are intended to strengthen Ukraine Air defense Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi commented on August 4 that the arrival of the jets would lead to “more missiles fired.”