Zelensky: Ukrainian F-16 pilots shot down seven cruise missiles during a recent Russian attack.

During a recent large-scale air assault by Russian forces, Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets played a crucial role in neutralizing aerial threats, stated President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Western-partnered fighters successfully intercepted seven cruise missiles aimed at civilian infrastructure.

In an interview with Sky News, Zelensky highlighted the high efficiency and reliability of the F-16 aircraft currently in service with the Ukrainian Air Force. He emphasized their effectiveness in countering Russian aerial threats, despite their limited numbers.

“How are the F-16s performing today? Very well, mostly excellently,” Zelensky remarked. “We have very few F-16s. What are they doing now? Two nights ago, they destroyed seven ballistic [cruise] missiles.”

During the attack on November 28, nearly 200 missiles and drones were launched by Russian forces.

Ukrainian air defense systems managed to intercept most of these threats, significantly reducing damage.

This was the second large-scale air assault in November and the eleventh such attack in 2024 aimed at Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

Zelensky also reminded about the previous large-scale airstrike on November 17, during which Ukrainian F-16 pilots shot down ten aerial targets.

Overall, during this assault, Ukraine's air defense systems neutralized 144 enemy targets, reported the Ukrainian Air Force.

Background. In the same interview, Zelensky noted that Western partners are urging Ukraine to mobilize, but of the promised 10 brigades, only two and a half have been fully staffed. According to him, Ukraine's issue lies in equipping servicemen with weapons and equipment, rather than in the number of available troops.