Chaos in Kyiv as Russia Launches Severe Attacks

Sat Sep 13 2025 11:22:54 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Kyiv experiences unprecedented attacks as Russia escalates its campaign, leaving destruction in its wake and families devastated.

In the early hours of August 28, 2025, Kyiv was shaken by a significant Russian missile and drone attack, marking one of the heaviest bombardments in recent weeks. With reports of missile strikes in multiple locations, including a catastrophic hit on a residential building, the attack resulted in at least 19 deaths, including four children. The incident showcases the ongoing peril faced by civilians in Ukraine's capital, illustrating the relentless nature of this conflict and the emotional toll on those affected.

By day, Kyiv can often feel far from the front line. But at night, the war looms large.

In the morning rush hour, the traffic along the Dnipro river embankment is heavy and slow-moving as people try to get to work and go about their daily lives.

During the night, air raid sirens often sound, prompting residents to check updates and decide how to react to the threats. Reports indicated a substantial potential attack involving both drones and missiles, alerting residents to brace for a serious assault.

Late in the night, the city was jolted awake by loud explosions—a missile striking a building, sending residents scrambling to shelters as the sound of air defenses intercepted incoming threats filled the air.

By dawn, the destruction in the Darnytskyi district was apparent—one of the deadliest sites where the assailants delivered a remarkable barrage of nearly 600 drones and over 30 missiles across 13 locations, with the initial explosion being particularly devastating.

Emerging from the wreckage the following morning, the extent of the damage was evident as rescue workers combed through the rubble of collapsed residential buildings, desperately searching for survivors amidst devastation.

Iryna Kutsenko, a resident, spoke heart-wrenchingly of her search for her mother, who chose to stay in the corridor during the attack rather than use the shelter. You never think it will be your house that's hit, she lamented. The attacks, occurring while people are asleep, amplify the terror associated with this conflict, making it difficult for residents to find any semblance of safety.

More troubling is the political reaction to the onslaught, especially concerning ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine's Foreign Affairs Minister characterized these actions as acts of terrorism, solidifying a hardening national resolve against such aggressive military tactics.

The day concluded with a rising death toll and grief-stricken families coping with shocking loss, all while reflecting the ongoing hardships that continue to cloud the capital of Kyiv as the war rages on.