Russia’s Largest Air Assault Since the Start of War
In a major escalation, Russia launched its largest air attack of the Ukraine war overnight into Sunday, deploying over 800 drones, four ballistic missiles, and nine cruise missiles. For the first time, the strike targeted the Cabinet of Ministers Building in Kyiv, marking a symbolic and strategic escalation.
Despite Ukrainian air defenses intercepting most of the drones, 54 drones and nine missiles hit their intended targets, leaving destruction across the country. The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed this was the biggest aerial assault since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
Civilian Casualties and Damaged Infrastructure
The attacks brought tragedy to residential areas in Kyiv. An infant and a young woman were killed when drones struck apartment buildings in the Sviatoshynskyi district. Fires broke out in several high-rise blocks, with at least 18 civilians injured.
Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, described the damage as severe, with parts of a nine-floor building destroyed and multiple other structures set ablaze. Emergency services worked tirelessly to rescue survivors, extinguish fires, and recover bodies from under the rubble.
Beyond Kyiv, missile strikes damaged a bridge in Kremenchuk, a rare target far from the frontline. Other cities including Odesa, Kryvyi Rih, and Dnipro also came under fire.
Comparison: July 2025 Attack vs September 2025 Attack
To understand the scale of escalation, here’s a comparison of Russia’s previous largest attack versus the most recent one:
| Details | July 2025 Attack | September 2025 Attack |
|---|---|---|
| Drones Launched | ~500 | 810 |
| Missiles Fired | 15 | 13 (4 ballistic, 9 cruise) |
| Government Building Targeted | No | Yes (Cabinet of Ministers) |
| Civilian Casualties | Dozens injured | At least 4 dead, 44 injured |
| Duration of Attack | 7 hours | 11 hours |
This table clearly shows that September’s assault was the most intense and destructive of the war so far.
Political Reactions and Global Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes as “vile crimes” that prolong the war, emphasizing that the world has the power to stop Kremlin aggression if there is enough political will. He also criticized recent failed diplomatic efforts, including the Alaska summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, which ended without a deal.
International leaders were quick to respond:
- French President Emmanuel Macron accused Russia of locking itself into “war and terror.”
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared Europe’s unwavering support for Ukraine, promising tougher sanctions.
- Poland’s armed forces raised their defense readiness after Russian strikes near their border.
Meanwhile, Russia warned that any Western troops in Ukraine would be considered “legitimate targets,” deepening tensions between Moscow and NATO allies.
Ukraine’s Response and Next Steps
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed that the government quarter in Kyiv, including the prime minister’s office, was damaged. She vowed to rebuild but mourned the lives lost, stating, “Buildings can be rebuilt, but the people we lose cannot be brought back.”
Defense officials announced plans for a meeting to discuss strengthening air defenses and developing Ukraine’s ability to launch deeper strikes into Russian territory. Ukrainian forces have already claimed responsibility for hitting two Russian energy facilities in Bryansk and Krasnodar.
Conclusion: A Turning Point in the War?
The latest strike underscores Russia’s shift toward large-scale aerial assaults, targeting not only military infrastructure but also civilian and symbolic government buildings. As Ukraine braces for further escalation, the international community faces renewed pressure to respond decisively.
The coming weeks may prove critical, as Ukraine strengthens defenses and Western allies weigh tougher sanctions and potential peacekeeping measures. For now, Ukrainians continue to live, as one resident described, “from strike to strike.”
