Major Russian drone / missile attacks on Ukraine

On 28 September 2025, Russia launched a large drone and missile attack on Ukraine.

  • The attack lasted over 12 hours.
  • Around 595 drones and 48 missiles were used.
  • At least 4 people died, including a child.
  • About 80 people were injured.
  • Factories, and energy infrastructure were damaged.
  • Regions beyond Kyiv—such as Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, Mykolaiv—were also targeted.
  • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned it, calling the attack “vile and cowardly.”
  • There were calls from Ukraine for stronger international sanctions on Russia, especially its energy exports.
  • Poland closed parts of its airspace temporarily and scrambled jets due to proximity concerns.
  • The attack shows Russia is continuing to use large drone swarms plus missiles to stretch and test Ukraine’s air defence.
  • Ukraine has been under periodic intense aerial assaults (drones & missiles) since the full-scale invasion began in early 2022.
  • The use of large numbers of “Shahed” type drones (Iran-made) has been a recurring tactic.