Ukraine Suffers Deadly 12-Hour Russian Air Assault, Zelensky Pledges Response

A sustained Russian bombardment lasting more than 12 hours struck Ukraine overnight, killing at least four people and injuring 70 others, according to Ukrainian officials. President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the assault as “vile,” saying it highlighted Moscow’s determination to prolong the conflict despite international calls for peace.

One of the Heaviest Attacks in Months

Ukrainian authorities reported that nearly 600 drones and several dozen missiles were launched against seven regions, making it one of the most extensive strikes in recent months. The capital, Kyiv, absorbed the brunt of the assault, with casualties including a 12-year-old girl.

Zelensky said the strikes demonstrated Russia’s intent to keep “fighting and killing,” while Moscow claimed it was targeting military and industrial facilities supporting Ukraine’s armed forces.

Civilian and Infrastructure Damage

Kyiv officials confirmed multiple civilian sites were hit, including residential buildings, a large bakery, and an automobile factory. A strike on the city’s Institute of Cardiology killed a nurse and a patient.

Emergency services warned residents through Ukraine’s air alert app, urging them to seek shelter as waves of drones approached. Anti-aircraft defenses lit up the skies as explosions echoed across the capital.

Regional Impact Beyond Kyiv

Other regions hit included Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Sumy, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, and Odesa. Zaporizhzhia Governor Ivan Fedorov reported 31 injuries, among them three children. Two boys, aged 11 and 12, suffered life-threatening injuries—one from an explosion, the other from carbon monoxide poisoning—while a nine-year-old girl was also hurt.

In Sumy, a 59-year-old man died in separate strikes. Regional leaders said emergency crews were working through the night to assist survivors and repair damaged infrastructure.

Zelensky’s Warning and Diplomatic Appeals

Zelensky vowed that Ukraine “will strike back” and called for stronger international support. He framed the bombardment as Russia’s response to the conclusion of the United Nations General Assembly, saying the attack showed Moscow’s “real position.”

He urged Europe and the United States to issue a firm response, backing U.S. President Donald Trump’s warnings of harsher sanctions and European efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy.

“Russia will not stop with Ukraine,” Zelensky warned, adding that recent incursions into NATO airspace demonstrated Moscow’s efforts to test Europe’s defenses.

U.S. and European Positions

President Trump, who had previously expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s ability to reclaim lost territory, recently shifted his stance. Last week, he said Kyiv could potentially regain land as Russia’s economy struggles under the prolonged conflict.

While Trump has so far held back from new sanctions, his administration has signaled frustration with Moscow’s reluctance to pursue peace talks. Zelensky expressed hope that Washington and European allies would take decisive steps to pressure the Kremlin.

NATO Concerns Over Airspace Violations

The strikes coincided with NATO members reporting repeated airspace violations. Early Sunday, Polish jets were scrambled in response to Russian strikes near the western border of Ukraine. The Polish military described the move as preventative, noting that incursions have become more frequent since NATO aircraft shot down three Russian drones in Poland’s airspace on September 10.

Elsewhere, Denmark reported drones flying over its airports, attributing the incidents to a “professional actor.” Estonia and Romania also accused Russia of similar violations. These developments prompted NATO to strengthen defenses on its eastern flank.

Russia’s Response at the UN

Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov denied Moscow had any intention of attacking European Union or NATO member states. However, he warned that any “aggression” against Russia would trigger a “decisive response.”

This statement underscored the widening rift between Moscow and Western powers, as both sides prepare for prolonged confrontation in Ukraine and beyond.

Outlook: Escalation or Diplomacy?

The scale of the latest bombardment suggests that Russia is intensifying its military campaign as winter approaches. For Ukrainians, such attacks have become both routine and unpredictable, testing the resilience of civilians and the country’s air defense systems.

Whether international partners respond with stronger sanctions or new military aid will likely shape the next phase of the war. For now, Zelensky’s vow of retaliation and Russia’s warning of countermeasures point to an uncertain and volatile path ahead.