Europe (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Russia launched an unprecedented aerial assault on Ukraine, firing nearly 600 drones and 50 missiles, including ballistic and cruise missiles, targeting Kyiv and multiple regions. The attack, lasting over 12 hours, killed at least four people, injured dozens, and caused widespread damage.
Massive Drone and Missile Barrage Targets Ukraine
As reported by Nick Paton Walsh of CNN, early Sunday morning 28 September 2025, Russia unleashed one of its largest drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, deploying 595 drones and 48 missiles, including ballistic and powerful cruise missiles, striking cities across the country with Kyiv as a primary target.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the assault lasted over 12 hours with deadly consequences, including the deaths of at least four individuals in Kyiv, among them a 12-year-old girl, and injuries to over 70 people nationwide.
Destruction Across Kyiv and Other Regions
The Ukrainian military reported downing many of the incoming ordnances, destroying 43 cruise missiles and numerous drones, yet some penetrated air defences, inflicting damage on civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, factories, residential buildings, and utility facilities.
Local authorities in Kyiv confirmed the destruction of at least 100 civilian sites and fire outbreaks in vehicle courtyards due to the strikes. The assault hit critical locations such as the Institute of Cardiology, a large bakery, and a rubber factory.
Civilian Casualties and Emergency Response
Casualties include at least four fatalities and dozens of injured persons, with many taken to hospital including rescue workers. Emergency services nationwide mobilised over 1,500 personnel across 11 regions to assist the wounded and perform search-and-rescue operations.
The Ukrainian government pleaded for continued international support and condemned the attack as “despicable,” illustrating Russia’s intention to persist in its aggression.
Air Defence Enhancements and International Support
President Zelensky highlighted recent acquisitions of advanced air defence systems, noting Ukraine’s receipt of a Patriot missile battery from Israel and the anticipated arrival of two additional systems from Germany later in the year. These systems are crucial to boosting Ukraine’s capability to counter ongoing aerial threats.
Regional and International Military Reactions
Poland, reacting to the increased scale of Russian attacks, scrambled fighter jets and closed airspace over regions near its border to safeguard national security, having previously intercepted multiple Russian drones crossing into NATO airspace.
These heightened tensions are occurring alongside key international diplomatic events such as the UN General Assembly, where Zelensky emphasized the urgent need to curtail Russia’s military capabilities.
Russia’s Justification and Ukrainian Response
Russian officials claim the strikes specifically targeted military infrastructure and industrial plants supporting Ukraine’s war efforts, alleging that civilian sites struck were either military-use or collateral damage.
Ukraine rejects these assertions, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the bombardments and the severe impact on civilian populations and essential services.
Continuing Conflict and Prospects for Escalation
This sustained missile and drone campaign represents one of the most intense phases of the conflict so far and signals escalating violence as winter approaches. Ukrainian defence officials warn of more such large-scale strikes targeting energy infrastructure and urban centres.
President Zelensky called on world leaders to impose stricter sanctions and provide greater military aid to Ukraine to effectively counter Russia’s military aggression and hasten peaceful negotiations.
