Kyiv, Ukraine – Russia launched a “massive” overnight attack on Ukraine from Saturday into Sunday, September 28, 2025, killing at least four people, including a 12-year-old girl, and injuring dozens. Ukrainian authorities described the extensive barrage, which primarily targeted the capital Kyiv and the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, as one of the most intense in recent months.
President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that the assault lasted over twelve hours. Ukrainian air defense forces detected a total of 595 drones and 48 missiles, including advanced Kinzhal hypersonic munitions, unleashed across the country. In Kyiv, the strikes caused widespread damage at 15 distinct locations across five districts, with residential buildings directly hit. Emergency services confirmed the death of a 12-year-old girl whose body was recovered from the rubble of a five-story residential building in the Solomianski district. Two other individuals also died at a cardiology institute in the same area, while a school roof in the Darnytski district caught fire.
Beyond the capital, the Kyiv regional military administration reported 27 additional injuries, bringing the total casualties in the area to over 40. In Zaporizhzhia, Governor Ivan Fedorov stated the city was struck “at least four times,” resulting in four injuries. Images from the Kyiv region showed destroyed buildings and burning cars in the aftermath of the aerial attacks.
Responding to the strikes, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed its forces had targeted “Ukrainian military-industrial complex facilities” and “military airfield infrastructures.” The ministry asserted that “the objectives of the strike have been achieved and all designated targets hit,” utilizing “long-range precision weapons, air and sea-based, as well as attack drones.”
The latest escalation comes as diplomatic tensions remain high. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned on Saturday that any attacks against Russia would prompt a “resolute response.” Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Lavrov pushed back against accusations that “Russia is almost accused of planning an attack on the countries of the Atlantic Alliance and the European Union.” His comments followed former US President Donald Trump’s suggestion earlier that NATO should be prepared to shoot down Russian planes violating its airspace.
Meanwhile, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant continues to be a point of international concern. Ukraine accused Russia on Saturday of disconnecting the plant from the Ukrainian power grid for the past four days, alleging Moscow’s intent to “steal” the strategic facility by integrating it into the Russian-controlled network. Kyiv warned that such a move would pose significant safety risks.
In response to the renewed aggression, President Zelensky condemned the attacks, stating, “Moscow wants to continue to fight and kill.” He called on the international community to maintain unwavering pressure on Russia, urging global leaders: “Anyone who aspires to peace must support efforts to end all Russian imports. It is high time to act decisively, and we count on a firm response from the United States, Europe, the G7 and the G20.”
*Reported by Eloïse Bartoli and Fabien Magnenou, France Télévisions. Published September 28, 2025.*
