Russia Launches Massive Drone and Missile Assault on Kyiv, Causing Significant Casualties and Damage

In the early hours of Sunday, September 28, Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine faced a large-scale assault comprised of hundreds of drones and missiles launched by Russian forces. This attack marked one of the most intense strikes on the Ukrainian capital since the full-scale conflict began, resulting in at least four fatalities and dozens of injuries.

In response to the threat, Poland closed its airspace near two southeastern cities, with its air force deploying jets until the danger subsided.

Ukraine’s military reported that during the overnight barrage, Russia launched 595 drones and 48 missiles. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted 568 drones and 43 missiles, with Kyiv identified as the primary target of the offensive.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as lasting more than 12 hours, inflicting significant damage on critical infrastructure, including a cardiology clinic, manufacturing facilities, and residential buildings. He reiterated a call for the international community to take urgent and decisive action to sever Russia’s energy revenues, which fund its military operations.

"The time for decisive action is long overdue, and we count on a strong response from the United States, Europe, the G7, and the G20," Zelenskyy stated via the Telegram messaging platform.

Residents of Kyiv awoke to a barrage of explosions and the sound of air defenses engaging the invading drones and missiles. A localized air raid alert lasted nearly seven hours, ending at 09:13 a.m. local time.

Journalists visiting Kyiv suburbs documented the devastation, noting rows of recently constructed houses nearly leveled and vehicles destroyed by falling debris. Many residents sought safety in underground metro stations, monitoring the situation through mobile devices.

The assault also targeted regions across northern, central, and southern Ukraine, including the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, where authorities reported at least 16 injuries. Social media footage revealed several buildings in flames and extensively damaged.

Local emergency services confirmed a minimum of four deaths nationwide and 67 injuries. Among the deceased was reportedly a 12-year-old girl, although this detail has not been officially verified, according to Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration.

This latest offensive underscores the ongoing severity of the conflict and highlights the urgent need for an international response to curb further aggression.