Kyiv, Sept 29 (V7N) – Russia carried out one of its largest aerial assaults on Ukraine in recent months, unleashing hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles on Sunday across the capital Kyiv and several other regions. The overnight bombardment left at least four people dead and 67 others injured, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the wave of strikes lasted for more than 12 hours, targeting both civilian and industrial sites. “A cardiology clinic, multiple factories, and several residential buildings were heavily damaged,” Zelensky confirmed in a statement, condemning the attack as another act of terror against Ukraine’s population.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that Russia launched 595 drones and 48 missiles in the assault, marking one of the most extensive barrages since the beginning of the war. Ukraine’s air defense systems successfully intercepted at least 568 drones and 43 missiles. Despite these efforts, several weapons penetrated defenses, causing significant destruction and casualties.

Military officials stated that the primary target was the capital city Kyiv. Residents were jolted awake at dawn by loud explosions as air defense units engaged incoming drones and missiles. “The skies over Kyiv were lit with fire from anti-aircraft systems, while the city shook with the force of the blasts,” one eyewitness said.

Emergency services rushed to multiple districts to extinguish fires and rescue people trapped under rubble. Hospitals in Kyiv reported a surge in patients suffering from shrapnel wounds, burns, and trauma injuries. Authorities warned that casualty figures could rise as search operations continue.

International leaders swiftly condemned the strikes. The European Union reiterated its support for Ukraine, calling the attack a “deliberate attempt to cripple civilian infrastructure.” Meanwhile, NATO emphasized the need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.

The assault underscores the escalating intensity of Russia’s war strategy as winter approaches, raising concerns about further attacks on Ukraine’s energy and healthcare infrastructure.

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