Russia launched its largest aerial assault since the war began, striking the Ukrainian government building in Kyiv for the first time and killing at least four people, amid escalating violence and stalled peace efforts. The attack underscores a significant intensification of hostilities.
The massive assault occurred overnight into Sunday, September 7, 2025, with Russian forces deploying 810 drones and 13 missiles across Ukraine. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted most of the projectiles, but 54 drones and nine missiles hit targets in multiple cities, including Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, and Odesa. This scale surpasses previous attacks, marking a new peak in the conflict’s aerial warfare.
In Kyiv, the strikes caused tragic casualties, including a young woman and her two-month-old son killed when a residential building in the Sviatoshynskyi district was hit. Rescuers searched for a third victim believed buried under rubble, and at least 18 people were injured citywide. Fires erupted in several high-rise apartments, and the capital endured an 11-hour air raid alert, the longest of the war.
For the first time, the Cabinet of Ministers building, housing the prime minister’s office, was directly damaged, with its roof and upper floors affected. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed the hit, vowing to rebuild but emphasizing that lost lives cannot be returned. She called for increased international pressure on Russia, particularly through sanctions on oil and gas, to curb further aggression.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as a ‘deliberate crime’ and appealed to allies for enhanced air defense capabilities. He stressed that political will is essential to end the killing and prolongation of the war. US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg noted that the assault indicates Russian escalation rather than a desire for diplomacy, amid ongoing but fruitless peace negotiations.
International leaders swiftly condemned the violence. French President Emmanuel Macron stated Russia is ‘locking itself ever deeper into the logic of war and terror,’ while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen promised continued support, including reinforcing Ukraine’s armed forces and tightening sanctions. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed appall at the brutality, highlighting global unity against Russian actions.
The escalation occurs against the backdrop of recent diplomatic efforts, including a summit between US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin that yielded no agreement. Trump has hinted at moving to a second phase of sanctions, while Ukraine reported counterstrikes on Russian energy infrastructure, such as the Druzhba oil pipeline. These developments suggest a cycle of retaliation with no immediate resolution in sight.
Looking ahead, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced a meeting to discuss strengthening air defense and enhancing strike capabilities deep into Russian territory. The war continues with Russian forces making incremental gains on the eastern front, indicating that both sides are preparing for prolonged conflict rather than seeking a swift end.