September Russian drone and other aerial attacks killed civilians and injured several others across Ukraine, with strikes reported in and around Kyiv, Sumy and Kharkiv as the conflict continues to place pressure on Ukrainian cities and air-defence systems.

In one of the latest incidents, a Russian drone struck a market in Sofiivska Borshchahivka, on the western outskirts of Kyiv, killing two people and injuring about 10, according to Ukrainian prosecutors. Fires broke out at the site and emergency crews responded to the attack.

Deaths Reported in Sumy and Kharkiv

The attacks also affected other parts of Ukraine.

In Sumy, three glide bombs reportedly struck near a family support centre, killing two people, according to regional authorities cited by Reuters.

In Kharkiv, a drone struck a car and killed its driver, Ukrainian prosecutors said. Both cities have repeatedly come under Russian attacks because of their proximity to areas of the ongoing conflict.

Kyiv Also Targeted

Ukraine’s capital and surrounding areas were also hit.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said a drone struck a high-rise residential building in an eastern district, causing a fire and injuring a resident. Other drones were reported near a kindergarten and a playground in different districts.

Separate reports on September 28 said the wider Kyiv region suffered additional casualties and damage during the latest wave of attacks.

Large Number of Drones Used

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia had launched hundreds of attack drones along with missiles and aerial bombs during the latest period of intensified attacks.

Al Jazeera reported that Zelenskyy said nearly 4,000 drones, aerial bombs and missiles had been launched against Ukraine over the preceding week.

The Ukrainian military has increasingly highlighted the challenge posed by newer jet-powered Shahed-type drones, which can fly at higher altitudes and greater speeds than earlier versions. Reuters reported earlier this month that these drones were placing additional pressure on Ukraine’s air-defence network.

Civilian Infrastructure Damaged

The attacks have affected residential areas and other civilian infrastructure.

Ukrainian authorities reported damage to homes, warehouses, roads and other facilities in several regions. Kyiv officials also reported fires and damage following the overnight drone attacks.

Russia has denied deliberately targeting civilians, while Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly accused Russian forces of striking civilian areas. The competing claims cannot independently be verified in every individual incident.

War Enters Another High-Intensity Phase

The latest attacks come as the Russia-Ukraine war continues into its fifth year and both sides maintain long-range strike capabilities.

The increased use of drones has become a central feature of the conflict. Ukraine has been developing and deploying interceptor drones and other air-defence measures as it attempts to respond to Russia’s growing use of unmanned aircraft.

For civilians across Ukraine, the continuing attacks mean that air-raid alerts, damaged infrastructure and disruptions to everyday life remain a persistent part of the security situation.

The latest strikes also underline the continuing importance of air defence as Ukraine prepares for another winter during the ongoing war.