SRINAGAR: Kyiv and its surrounding region came under intense drone and missile bombardment early on Sunday, September 28, killing at least three people and injuring dozens, in what independent monitors have described as one of the largest Russian assaults on the Ukrainian capital since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, reports CNN.
According to Ukrainian officials, multiple waves of Iranian-made Shahed drones and cruise missiles targeted critical infrastructure and residential areas in the early hours, prompting widespread air raid alerts and loud explosions heard across the city.
“This was one of the most massive attacks we’ve seen on Kyiv in recent months,” said Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration. “Air defences were active for over three hours. Dozens of enemy targets were intercepted, but there is some damage on the ground”, according to The Guardian.
Initial reports suggest that at least 10 people were injured, with several hospitalised. Emergency services have been deployed across several districts in Kyiv and nearby regions to assess damage and provide relief.
The Ukrainian Air Force said it shot down over 70 percent of the incoming drones and missiles, though debris from intercepted projectiles caused fires and structural damage in multiple locations.
“This attack demonstrates Russia’s continued willingness to terrorise the civilian population and destroy essential infrastructure,” said Mykhailo Podolyak, as per AP, adviser to the Ukrainian president. “It’s another reminder of the urgent need for advanced air defence systems.”
Independent conflict monitors, including the UK-based group Airwars, confirmed the scale of the attack, calling it “one of the most sustained air raids on Kyiv and its outskirts since February 2022.”
There has been no immediate response from Moscow regarding Sunday’s strikes. However, previous Russian statements have defended such attacks as targeting military and logistical sites—claims consistently disputed by Kyiv and its allies.
The escalation comes amid increased international pressure on Western nations to accelerate military support for Ukraine as the war grinds on with no sign of resolution.
