Russia Unleashes 'Heaviest' Drone and Missile Barrage on Ukraine, Killing Four in Kyiv; NATO Scrambles Jets

Major Russian Drone and Missile Attack Hits Ukraine, Kyiv Heavily Targeted

A major Russian drone and missile attack struck Ukraine, with the capital city of Kyiv being heavily targeted, on September 28, 2025. Media reports and independent monitors described the strikes as one of the heaviest since the war began, causing casualties and prompting international concern. Neighbouring Poland scrambled jets in response to the escalating situation.

Casualties and Damage in Kyiv

At least four people, including a 12-year-old girl, were killed in Kyiv, and at least 14 were injured. Head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, Timur Tkachenko, reported that over 15 locations were damaged, including residential buildings. Damage was reported in several districts including Darnytskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, Solomianskyi, Holosiivskyi, and Dniprovskyi, with car fires reported in courtyards.

Nationwide Assault and Ukrainian Response

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the "brutal" strikes, stating that nearly 500 strike drones and over 40 missiles, including 'Kinzhal' missiles, were used. Many regions across the country were under air raid alert, with reports of strikes in Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Sumy, and Odesa. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Russia launched "hundreds of drones and missiles" overnight, destroying residential buildings and causing civilian casualties.

Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched 593 drones and 50 missiles, claiming to have downed or suppressed 566 drones and 45 missiles. However, five missiles and 31 drones still impacted 16 locations.

International Reaction and Support

Poland closed airspace near two of its southeastern cities and scrambled fighter jets in response to the Russian strikes. NATO fighter jets and air defense units were also put on alert. Zelenskyy called for a strong reaction from the US, Europe, the G7, and the G20, urging decisive action to deprive Russia of opportunities to earn and force it to diplomacy.

Ukraine’s Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said at least 70 people were injured by strikes across the country. Zelenskyy reiterated the need for international measures to choke Russia's energy export industry.

Witness Accounts and Local Impact

Kyiv residents sought shelter in metro stations deep underground. Al Jazeera’s Malcolm Webb reported that dozens of apartments were damaged in Kyiv, including the death of a young girl. In Zaporizhzhia, at least 31 people, including three children, were injured, with a high-rise apartment building and several other structures hit.

Regina Kharchenko, acting head of Zaporizhzhia’s City Council, described the scene: "Yesterday’s life still smoulders in the windows — someone’s photographs, children’s toys, books... People have suffered, and the city is counting its wounds again."

Ongoing Situation and Future Outlook

The attacks are ongoing, and the total number of aerial targets is still being assessed. Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, stated that there will be a response to these actions, but also emphasized the need for stronger economic blows against Russia from the West.