Russia Launches Largest Aerial Assault on Ukraine Since 2022, Targets Kyiv Government Building

On September 7, 2025, Russia launched its most extensive aerial assault on Ukraine since the onset of the conflict in 2022, deploying over 800 Shahed-type drones and 13 missiles, including Iskander-K cruise and Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles. The primary target was Kyiv, where a government building sustained significant damage, marking the first such incident during the war. The attack resulted in at least four fatalities and numerous injuries across the country. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 747 drones and several missiles, but the scale of the assault overwhelmed existing systems. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes and called for increased international sanctions against Russia.

The assault commenced on the night of September 7, 2025, with Russian forces launching a coordinated attack involving 810 drones and multiple missiles. The Ukrainian Air Force reported intercepting 747 drones and four missiles; however, the remaining projectiles caused significant damage and casualties. In Kyiv alone, two people, including a mother and her 3-month-old baby, were killed, and 20 others were injured. The attack affected at least 10 locations within the capital.

Notably, the Cabinet of Ministers building in Kyiv was struck for the first time during the conflict. The missile impacted the upper floors of the building, causing a substantial fire. Fortunately, the missile did not detonate completely, preventing a more severe catastrophe. This incident marked a significant escalation in Russia's targeting strategy, as it was the first direct hit on a Ukrainian government facility since the invasion began.

The nationwide assault resulted in at least four fatalities and numerous injuries. In addition to the casualties in Kyiv, other regions reported deaths and injuries due to drone and missile strikes. Residential areas, infrastructure, and government buildings were among the targets, leading to widespread damage and disruption.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as a deliberate effort to prolong the conflict amidst stalled diplomacy. He called for increased international sanctions against Russia and urged allies to provide enhanced air defense support to Ukraine. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko vowed to rebuild the damaged Cabinet of Ministers building and emphasized the need for a firm global response to Russia's aggression.

The international community responded with condemnation of Russia's actions. French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Moscow's aggression and noted that 26 countries are prepared to send peacekeeping troops once fighting ends. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that such troops would be considered legitimate targets. U.S. President Donald Trump indicated a willingness to implement further sanctions against Russia, marking his strongest stance yet, although specific plans were not detailed.

Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, Russia has increasingly utilized drone and missile attacks to target Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian areas. The use of Shahed-type drones, believed to be supplied by Iran, has been a consistent tactic to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses. The Iskander missile system, comprising both cruise (Iskander-K) and ballistic (Iskander-M) variants, has been employed to strike strategic targets within Ukraine.

The escalation of attacks, particularly targeting government buildings and urban centers, has profound social and societal implications. The psychological impact on the civilian population is significant, leading to increased fear, displacement, and disruption of daily life. The targeting of government infrastructure aims to undermine the functioning of the Ukrainian state and erode public confidence in its ability to provide security and services.

This assault represents the largest aerial attack by Russia on Ukraine since the beginning of the invasion. Previous significant attacks include the April 2025 missile strike on Kyiv, which resulted in 13 deaths and over 90 injuries, and the July 2025 drone and missile attacks that targeted multiple regions, including Kyiv. However, the September 7 assault's scale and the targeting of a government building mark a new level of escalation.

The September 7, 2025, aerial assault by Russia on Ukraine signifies a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict. The unprecedented scale of the attack, coupled with the targeting of government infrastructure, underscores the need for a reassessment of defense strategies and international support mechanisms to address the evolving nature of the war.