September 28, 2025 — Kyiv, Ukraine — Russia launched a massive drone and missile assault on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine early on Sunday, marking one of the most sustained attacks on the capital since the war’s beginning. The bombardment, which lasted for over 12 hours, resulted in at least four deaths and left dozens more injured.
Details of the Attack
Russia’s massive aerial assault involved 595 drones and 48 missiles, according to Ukraine’s military, which reported successfully shooting down 568 drones and 43 missiles. Despite the scale of Ukraine’s air defences, some strikes penetrated, hitting critical infrastructure, including residential buildings, a cardiology clinic, and factories.
The attack also included long-range air and sea-based weapons aimed at military-industrial enterprises, including airfields, according to the Russian Ministry of Defence. Moscow denied targeting civilians, despite widespread destruction in Kyiv and other cities.
Casualties and Damage
The assault left at least four people dead and 67 wounded across Ukraine. Among the casualties, a 12-year-old girl was reportedly among those killed, though this has not been officially confirmed. The region of Zaporizhzhia was also heavily targeted, with 16 people reported injured there.
Locals in Kyiv described scenes of devastation, including flattened cars and nearly destroyed homes. Many residents fled to underground metro stations to shelter from the attack. Emergency services were overwhelmed, as the destruction was widespread and included significant damage to newly built homes and apartment blocks.
Ukraine’s Call for More Support
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the attack and called for increased international action, particularly targeting Russia’s energy revenues that fund its war efforts. Zelenskiy urged the United States, Europe, and G7 and G20 nations to impose stronger sanctions on Moscow, stating that decisive action was long overdue.
Zelenskiy also reiterated his plea for more air defence systems to counter these large-scale aerial assaults. Ukraine has received some support, such as the Patriot missile systems from Israel, and Zelenskiy expects two more systems to be deployed this autumn. However, air defence systems remain limited and crucial to Ukraine’s survival.
Poland Responds
In response to the proximity of the attacks to its borders, Poland temporarily closed airspace near two southeastern cities and scrambled jets to ensure the safety of its airspace. The Polish response reflects rising concerns over potential escalation into NATO territories.
A Pivotal Moment in the War
This marks another dark chapter in the ongoing war, where Russia’s military continues to target Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, inflicting civilian suffering alongside military objectives. The latest assault is seen as a continuation of Russia’s strategy to weaken Ukraine’s defences and undermine its economic capacity. It also underscores the challenges that Ukraine’s air defences face in protecting the skies against large-scale missile and drone attacks.
As the war rages on, international support for Ukraine remains crucial in determining the course of the conflict. However, Ukraine’s capacity to defend itself is increasingly stretched as Russia continues to escalate its offensive.
Looking Ahead
The attack has further galvanized Ukraine’s call for international solidarity, while also highlighting the critical role of air defences in the future of the war. As tensions rise, the conflict’s effects ripple through global geopolitics, with ramifications that extend beyond Ukraine’s borders.
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