Russia's Air Attacks Against Ukraine (28 September 2025)

On 28 September 2025, Russia carried out a large-scale air attack against Ukraine. The attacks were conducted using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missiles. The bombardment began during the night and continued into the morning, lasting more than 12 hours in total.

Russia’s attack on Kyiv, 28 September 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

According to Ukrainian sources, approximately 600 UAVs and 40 to 48 missiles were used in the attacks. This assault has been recorded as one of the most intense air operations since the large-scale invasion began in 2022. Targets included Kyiv, as well as the regions of Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Sumy, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv and Odesa. At least four people were confirmed killed in the attacks.

Russia’s attack on Kyiv, 28 September 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

Scope of the Attack

The attacks were carried out simultaneously by Russia using unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that a total of 595 explosive-laden UAVs and 48 missiles were launched, including decoy systems. Of these, 566 UAVs and 43 missiles were destroyed or neutralized by Ukraine’s air defense systems. However, the remaining attack elements caused damage to populated areas and infrastructure.

The operation began during the night and continued uninterrupted into the early morning. The total duration exceeded 12 hours, making it one of the longest and most intense air assaults on Ukraine to date.

Fire in the city following Russian air and UAV strikes on Zaporizhzhia region, 28 September 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

The targeted areas covered a wide geographic range. The capital Kyiv suffered the heaviest impact, with multi-story residential buildings, healthcare facilities and infrastructure suffering damage. Outside Kyiv, the regions of Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Sumy, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv and Odesa were also targeted. In Zaporizhzhia, multi-story buildings and civilian infrastructure were hit; in Khmelnytskyi and Sumy, air defense systems were activated. The effects of the attacks were also felt in Odesa, Mykolaiv and Chernihiv.

Poland temporarily closed its airspace in border regions, removed military aircraft and activated its air defense systems. Additionally, military authorities in Denmark and other European countries reported increased UAV activity in their airspace.

Impact in Kyiv

Kyiv was the area most severely affected by the attacks. According to official statements, at least four people lost their lives as a result of the strikes. Among the deceased was a 12-year-old girl. A nurse and a patient died during the strike on the Kyiv Cardiology Institute.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported damage at a minimum of 20 different locations across the city. The Darnytsia, Sviatoshyn, Solomianskyi, Holosiivskyi and Dnipro districts were particularly affected. Apartment buildings sustained damage, vehicle fires broke out, and infrastructure was impaired.

Extensive search and rescue operations were launched after the attacks. Firefighters and rescue teams worked to reach people trapped under rubble. Reports indicated that explosions caused walls to collapse, windows to shatter and fires to break out in multi-story buildings. Partial collapses occurred in some structures, prompting the evacuation of residents.

During the attacks, city residents took shelter in metro stations and bunkers. Explosion sounds were heard throughout the city center and surrounding areas during the air raid sirens. Power outages and communication disruptions occurred in various neighborhoods.

Impact in Zaporizhzhia and Other Regions

One of the regions most heavily targeted outside Kyiv was Zaporizhzhia. According to regional governor Ivan Fedorov, at least 30 people were injured, including three children, two of whom were in critical condition. One child suffered severe injuries from the explosion, while the other was severely poisoned by carbon monoxide. Several multi-story residential buildings, nine homes and 14 high-rise structures were damaged. Additionally, a school and some industrial facilities sustained destruction.

Fire in the city following Russian air and UAV strikes on Zaporizhzhia region, 28 September 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

In the Khmelnytskyi region, air defense systems were activated during the attacks. Initial reports indicated no fatalities in the area, but infrastructure damage was reported. In Sumy region, one person was confirmed killed, and numerous buildings sustained damage.

The Mykolaiv and Odesa regions were also targeted. Damage was recorded in both residential areas and energy infrastructure. Missile and UAV strikes occurred in Chernihiv, causing damage to civilian zones. Across the country, more than 100 civilian facilities were reported damaged.

Ukrainian Statements

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a statement following the attacks, confirmed that all fatalities occurred in Kyiv. He characterized the strikes as a comprehensive air campaign against Ukraine and stated that they revealed Moscow’s intent to continue the war. He emphasized that Ukraine would respond to these attacks and stressed the need to increase military and economic pressure on Russia to compel it to return to diplomacy. Zelenskyy called for strong and swift responses from the United States, European countries, the G7 and the G20.

Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko stated that the attacks targeted at least 100 civilian facilities nationwide and confirmed the deaths of a nurse and a patient at the Kyiv Cardiology Institute. He also reported that over 70 people were injured, some of whom were in critical condition.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko declared that the capital was under a massive attack and urged residents to remain in shelters. He confirmed damage at more than 20 locations across the city and noted that numerous apartment buildings and public facilities had been damaged. He initially reported five injured, later revising the number to 14, with one of them in serious condition.

Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, emphasized that the attacks targeted civilians and called on Western countries to impose stricter economic sanctions on Russia. Yermak stated that these strikes posed a threat not only to Ukraine but also to regional security.

Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga noted that Russia had launched hundreds of UAVs and missiles, resulting in numerous civilian deaths and injuries. He asserted that Russia had violated international law through these attacks and highlighted the severe consequences of the assault.

Russian Statements

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that the air attacks conducted on 28 September 2025 were directed at military targets in Ukraine. The ministry stated that long-range air and sea-based weapons were used, with specific focus on military industrial facilities and air bases.

The Moscow administration maintained that civilians were not targeted and that the operations were solely intended to reduce Ukraine’s war capacity. Russia did not acknowledge claims regarding damage to populated areas or civilian casualties in Kyiv and other regions.

On the same day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, stated that any attack against Russia would be met with a “resolute response.” Lavrov also warned that any interference with objects in Russia’s airspace would have serious consequences.