Massive Russian Aerial Attack Strikes Kyiv, Four Fatalities Reported

Sat Sep 13 2025 14:33:26 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a significant escalation of the conflict, Russia launched its largest drone and missile attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, resulting in multiple casualties and damage to key government buildings.

Russia executed a massive aerial assault on Kyiv using over 800 drones and missiles, marking the most extensive attack since the war's inception, leading to four deaths and damage to vital government infrastructure. Ukrainian officials condemned the attack and called for additional defensive support and sanctions against Russia, highlighting the risks to peace talks.

KYIV, Ukraine (RTW News) — In what marks the largest aerial attack since the onset of the conflict, Russia unleashed a devastating wave of drones and missiles on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, this past Sunday, resulting in the deaths of four individuals across the country and significant damage to critical governmental structures.

According to Ukraine's air force, the assault involved 810 drones and decoys, out of which 747 drones and four missiles were successfully intercepted.

Witnesses reported seeing smoke billowing from the roof of the government headquarters in Kyiv. It has yet to be determined whether the smoke was caused by a direct hit or debris from the attack, suggesting a concerning escalation in Russia's air operations within the city's central areas.

Shooting down nearly 747 drones, Ukrainian air defense forces confirmed that this was the largest Russian drone strike since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported the fatalities and 44 injuries as a result of the attack. He also emphasized the need for strengthened defense measures in a subsequent conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron.

The damage primarily impacted the home of Ukraine’s government ministers, where authorities rushed to manage a fire affecting approximately 800 square meters.

Ukrainian leaders have called for increased sanctions against Russia and urged the international community to enhance support for Ukraine’s defense systems, with Zelenskyy emphasizing, Together with France, we are preparing new measures to strengthen our defense.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced the attack, asserting that it reflects President Putin's disregard for peace and stability, reiterating a call for unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty.

As the conflict continues to evolve, the implications of this strike provide a sobering reminder of the ongoing dangers faced by many in Ukraine.