Multiple waves of missile and drone attacks
On August 28, 2025, Russia carried out another large-scale strike on Kyiv, launching several waves of drones, ballistic and cruise missiles, including “Kinzhal” hypersonic systems. Ukrainian air defense intercepted many targets, but direct hits were reported in multiple districts, sparking fires and causing widespread destruction. According to the Kyiv City Military Administration, more than 20 locations across seven districts were affected, with around 100 buildings damaged and thousands of windows shattered. A shopping mall in central Kyiv was hit, while in the Darnytskyi district, part of a five-story residential block collapsed. Fires also broke out in a kindergarten, a school, and a 25-story building in the Dniprovskyi district. In Shevchenkivskyi and Solomianskyi districts, office and private buildings sustained heavy damage.
Civilian casualties and emergency response
As of 08:30 local time, officials confirmed at least eight fatalities, including two children, and 38 wounded, with 30 hospitalized. Rescue teams continued searching for people trapped under debris. Firefighters and medics worked under extreme conditions, battling flames and risking new collapses. The State Emergency Service deployed aviation to extinguish large fires, while evacuations took place under repeated explosions. Hospitals received dozens of victims, and citizens queued to donate blood.
Critical infrastructure and transport disruptions
The strikes also targeted transport and energy facilities. In Darnytsia, a depot of Intercity+ high-speed trains was hit, with one train severely damaged, though the fire was contained. Dozens of rail services were delayed. In Vinnytsia region, strikes on energy infrastructure left about 60,000 consumers in 29 settlements without power, disrupting communication and affecting railway schedules. Officials warned that Moscow’s strategy is aimed at raising the social cost of the war and undermining preparations for the winter.
Political message amid peace talks
The overnight assault coincided with renewed peace rhetoric from Washington, where President Donald Trump promised to “end the war quickly.” Despite this, Moscow pressed ahead with what analysts described as a calculated show of defiance, disregarding U.S. statements and demonstrating contempt for international efforts to negotiate. The timing highlighted Russia’s intent to escalate precisely when diplomatic signals are being sent.
International reactions and calls for action
The deaths of children were described as a moral red line for the international community, underscoring demands for concrete measures rather than condolences. Ukrainian officials reiterated calls for additional air defense systems such as Patriot, IRIS-T and NASAMS, as well as more interceptors including PAC-3 MSE and AIM-120. They also pushed for sanctions on Russia’s military supply chains, including restrictions on re-exported drone and missile components through third countries. Observers stressed that every new battery deployed could prevent dozens of civilian casualties and destroyed homes.
Pressure on China and Hungary
Kyiv urged China to prove its declared “peace position” with action: condemning the strikes, cutting off dual-use exports, tightening financial compliance, and joining international monitoring of microelectronics trade. Without such steps, Beijing risks complicity in prolonging the war. Hungary, meanwhile, faces a test of European solidarity. Officials in Kyiv insisted Budapest must explicitly recognize the strikes as state terrorism, lift vetoes on EU sanctions and funding, support the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s recovery, and align with joint European defense efforts. Neutrality, they said, amounts to moral capitulation when children are being killed.
Escalation risks and strategic stakes
Ukrainian authorities warned that Russia’s systematic attacks on cities, infrastructure and civilians show it is not seeking compromise but capitulation. Analysts argued that deterrence must be restored, as Moscow responds only to strength. Without reinforced air defenses, tougher sanctions and mechanisms of accountability, Russia is likely to repeat such assaults, raising the cost in lives and destruction. As Kyiv’s officials put it, the war now targets the city itself — its children, homes, transport and daily life — and failure to act decisively risks further tragedies.
