On September 28, 2025, Russia executed one of its largest aerial offensives of the war to date, deploying 595 drones and 48 missiles, with Kyiv and surrounding regions among the primary targets.
The attack, which reportedly lasted more than 12 hours, resulted in at least four fatalities, including a 12-year-old girl, and dozens more wounded.
Casualties, Damage & Targets
- Two of the victims died in a cardiology clinic in Kyiv.
- Residential buildings, factories, energy infrastructure, and a medical facility were hit.
- Ukrainian air defenses claim to have intercepted the majority of the assault: they say 568 drones and 43 missiles were shot down.
- Damage was reported beyond Kyiv: regions such as Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, Mykolaiv and others were struck.
Ukrainian Response & Government Claims
- President Zelenskyy strongly condemned the attack, calling it “vile and cowardly” and demanding greater global pressure and sanctions on Russia’s energy exports.
- He also criticized the timing: the assault came at the close of the UN General Assembly week, underscoring his view that Russia is doubling down despite international outreach.
- Kyiv’s City Administration head, Tymur Tkachenko, confirmed the casualty figures on Telegram and lamented the death of a child, saying, “The Russians have restarted the child death counter.”
- Kyiv officials also reported that more than 100 civilian objects were damaged across regions.
Russian Statements & Position
- Russia’s Defense Ministry defended the operation as a “massive” strike targeting military infrastructure including airfields and other defense assets.
- Moscow denied that the attack intentionally targeted civilians, asserting (in past statements) that its military operations focus on “legitimate military targets.”
