Zelensky Condemns ‘Vile’ 12-Hour Russian Air Assault on Ukraine
A relentless Russian aerial bombardment that lasted over 12 hours has tragically killed at least four people and injured more than 70 across Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that all fatalities, which included a 12-year-old girl, occurred in the capital, Kyiv, a primary target of the attack.
The massive barrage, involving nearly 600 drones and dozens of missiles aimed at seven Ukrainian regions, marks one of the heaviest assaults in recent months.
President Zelensky condemned the “vile” attack, stating it clearly shows Moscow’s intent to “continue fighting and killing,” and vowed that Ukraine “will strike back.” Russia, in turn, claimed it targeted military and industrial sites supporting Ukraine’s armed forces.
or many Ukrainians, such aerial bombardments have become a grim routine, often commencing late in the evening. On this occasion, air raid sirens blared around 22:00 GMT, followed by the terrifying sounds of anti-aircraft fire and explosions from intercepted drones or direct hits.
In Kyiv, emergency alerts urged residents to seek shelter as hundreds of drones descended on the city. The Institute of Cardiology was hit, killing a nurse and a patient, according to emergency services. President Zelensky also reported damage to a large bakery, an automobile rubber factory, apartment buildings, and other civilian infrastructure.
Defense Minister Igor Klymenko reported that at least 100 civilian sites across the country were damaged, with entire neighborhoods left in ruins.
Beyond Kyiv, other regions severely impacted included Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Sumy, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, and Odesa.
- Zaporizhzhia’s Governor Ivan Fedorov reported 34 injuries, including three children: two boys (aged 11 and 12) in serious condition due to an explosion and carbon monoxide poisoning, and a nine-year-old girl.
- Sumy’s regional governor confirmed the death of a 59-year-old man in strikes over the past day.
Zelensky Calls for Stronger International Response
Zelensky reiterated his pledge for Ukraine to “strike back” to “force diplomacy” from Russia and appealed for a “strong reaction” from Europe and the US. He highlighted that this “dastardly attack” occurred as the UN General Assembly concluded, underscoring Russia’s “real position.”
He also expressed support for US President Donald Trump’s calls for tougher sanctions on Russia and urged European allies to reduce their reliance on Russian oil and gas. Trump, who recently shifted his stance to suggest Ukraine could retake lost territory, has expressed frustration with the Kremlin’s reluctance for peace talks.
Zelensky warned that Russia’s aggression would not stop at Ukraine, citing recent incursions into the airspace of several NATO military alliance members as tests of European air defenses.
- Poland scrambled jets as Russia hit western Ukraine, a routine preventative measure since Russian drones were shot down in Polish airspace on September 10.
- Denmark’s Defence Ministry confirmed observing drones over military sites for a second consecutive night. NATO has responded by announcing an upgrade to its Baltic Sea mission, including enhanced surveillance and stationing at least one air defense frigate.
- Estonia and Romania have also accused Russia of violating their airspace, prompting NATO to bolster its eastern flank.
Donald Trump has even gone as far as suggesting NATO nations should shoot down Russian planes in their airspace.
Conversely, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking at the UN General Assembly, stated Russia has “no intention” of attacking EU or NATO member states but threatened a “decisive response” to any “aggression” towards Moscow.
