In the early hours of September 28, Russia launched one of its most extensive aerial assaults against Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war, targeting Kyiv and multiple regions across the country.
According to Ukraine’s military, the overnight barrage included 595 drones and 48 missiles, of which 568 drones and 43 missiles were intercepted by air defenses.
The attack lasted more than 12 hours, leaving at least four people dead and 67 wounded, officials said. Residential neighborhoods, factories, and even a cardiology clinic in the capital were damaged.
Poland Responds With Air Force Deployment
The attack also triggered regional tensions, as Poland closed airspace near two southeastern cities. The Polish air force scrambled fighter jets until the threat subsided, underscoring the potential risks to NATO members from Russia’s ongoing assaults on Ukraine.
Zelenskyy Condemns Russia, Calls for Action
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault, stressing that the scale of destruction highlights the urgent need for stronger international measures against Russia. He urged allies to cut off Moscow’s energy revenues, which finance its war effort.
“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 wrote on Telegram.
Despite repeated calls, Ukraine has so far failed to persuade President Donald Trump to impose harsher sanctions on Russia.
Civilian Toll and Destruction in Kyiv
Residents of Kyiv endured hours of explosions and air raid sirens. Reuters journalists reported scenes of devastation in the suburbs, where newly built homes were destroyed and cars crushed by debris.
Windows were blown out in apartment blocks, forcing many to take refuge in underground metro stations, where they monitored events on their phones.
Strain on Ukraine’s Air Defenses
The scale of the strikes further strained Ukraine’s already limited air defense capacity. Zelenskyy confirmed on September 27 that an additional Patriot missile system from Israel had been deployed, with two more expected later this autumn.
However, global demand for air defense systems remains high, as other nations seek to strengthen their protection against potential Russian threats.
Widening Impact Across Ukraine
Beyond Kyiv, several regions were targeted. In Zaporizhzhia, at least 16 people were injured in strikes, according to local officials. Emergency services said four deaths occurred nationwide, with dozens more wounded, as recovery and rescue efforts continued into the day.
