In one of the most intense assaults since the beginning of the war, Russia carried out a continuous 12-hour drone and missile offensive on Ukraine on Sunday, September 28, 2025. The attack involved nearly 600 drones and over 40 cruise missiles, striking multiple regions including Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, and Odesa.
At least four civilians, including a 12-year-old girl, were killed, and more than 70 sustained injuries, many in critical condition, according to Ukrainian authorities. Extensive damage was reported to residential buildings, energy facilities, industrial complexes, and essential infrastructure, with Kyiv being among the hardest hit areas.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly condemned the assault, calling it “an indiscriminate attack on Ukrainian civilians and the sovereignty of the nation.” Zelensky emphasized that such large-scale offensives demonstrate Russia’s disregard for international law and human rights.
“This attack is not just an act of war; it is an act of terror,” Zelensky said in a televised address. “Ukraine will stand firm and defend its people, its freedom, and its future.”
The Ukrainian Armed Forces confirmed that while a significant number of drones and missiles were intercepted by air defense systems, the scale of the attack overwhelmed their capacity. The prolonged offensive disrupted electricity supplies, caused transportation delays, and triggered safety alarms across multiple cities. Hospitals reported casualties, while emergency services struggled to cope with the scale of destruction.
Western allies, including the European Union and the United States, condemned the assault, reiterating their support for Ukraine and pledging continued military and humanitarian assistance. NATO officials expressed concerns over the escalation, warning that such large-scale coordinated strikes could destabilize the wider region.
Analysts suggest that the attack marks a significant shift in Russia’s military strategy, reflecting its growing reliance on drone warfare and long-range missile strikes to exert pressure on Ukraine. Experts also warn that the intensification of such assaults could prolong the conflict and escalate humanitarian crises in affected areas.
Ukraine has vowed to reinforce its air defense capabilities and is calling for increased international support to counter the growing threat of drone and missile warfare. Zelensky reiterated that “Ukraine will never surrender” and appealed to the global community to stand in solidarity with his nation.
This latest assault underscores the fragile state of peace in the region and highlights the urgent need for diplomatic interventions to prevent further escalation. The situation in Ukraine remains tense as the country braces for potential further attacks in the coming days.
