Russia Launches Massive Missile and Drone Assault on Ukraine, Killing 3 and Wounding Dozens

By Manisha Sahu, America News World.

September 20, 2025

Russia unleashed one of its largest combined missile and drone strikes in recent months on Saturday, targeting cities and infrastructure across Ukraine. At least three people were killed and more than two dozen injured, Ukrainian authorities said, as strikes hit residential neighborhoods, energy facilities, and transport hubs in nine regions.

Widespread Strikes Across Ukraine

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia’s attacks spanned the regions of Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Poltava, Kyiv, Odesa, Sumy, and Kharkiv. In his evening address, Zelenskyy accused Moscow of deliberately terrorizing civilians rather than pursuing any legitimate military objectives.

“The enemy’s target was our infrastructure, residential areas and civilian enterprises,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram. He added that a missile equipped with cluster munitions struck a multi-story apartment building in the city of Dnipro, causing extensive destruction. “Each such strike is not a military necessity but a deliberate strategy by Russia to intimidate civilians and destroy our infrastructure.”

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Dnipro and Dnipropetrovsk Region Hardest Hit

The deadliest damage was reported in the central Dnipropetrovsk region. Governor Serhii Lysak confirmed at least 26 people were injured when residential towers and private homes were struck in Dnipro. Photos released by Ukraine’s Emergency Service showed firefighters battling blazes as plumes of smoke rose above shattered buildings.

Local residents described scenes of chaos as sirens wailed and debris littered the streets. “There was a loud explosion, the whole building shook, and windows shattered instantly,” said Oleksandr, a resident of Dnipro who lives near the strike zone. “People ran outside in their pajamas. Everyone is terrified.”

Kyiv and Western Ukraine Under Fire

In the Kyiv region, local officials reported strikes in Bucha, Boryspil, and Obukhiv. Several cars and a private residence were damaged, though no casualties were immediately reported. Kyiv’s mayor warned that the intensity of Saturday’s bombardment suggests Russia is attempting to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defenses ahead of the winter months.

In western Ukraine, Lviv Governor Maxim Kozytsky said two incoming cruise missiles were intercepted before reaching their targets. Ukrainian officials have long warned that Russia’s winter strategy will likely include renewed attempts to cripple the nation’s energy grid, repeating last year’s tactics that left millions without heat and electricity.

Air Force: F-16 Jets Prove Effective

Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched a staggering 619 aerial weapons during the overnight assault, including drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Of these, 579 were drones. Ukrainian air defenses successfully neutralized 552 drones, two ballistic missiles, and 29 cruise missiles.

“During the air strike, tactical aviation, in particular F-16 fighters, effectively worked on the enemy’s cruise missiles,” the Air Force said in a statement. “Western weapons once again prove their effectiveness on the battlefield.”

The deployment of U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets, delivered to Ukraine earlier this year, has been touted as a turning point in defending the country’s skies. Military analysts say the jets significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to intercept high-speed targets, though the sheer scale of Russia’s strikes continues to pose challenges.

International Concerns Over Spillover

The latest escalation comes amid rising tensions between Russia and NATO members. On Friday, Estonia accused Russian fighter jets of violating its airspace, saying three planes crossed into Estonian territory without authorization and remained for 12 minutes. Estonia’s Foreign Minister condemned the incident as “unprecedentedly brazen.”

Russia’s Defense Ministry denied the allegation, but the episode followed an incident last week in which NATO planes shot down Russian drones over Poland. The incidents have heightened fears of the war spilling over Ukraine’s borders, a scenario Western leaders have repeatedly warned could trigger direct confrontation between Russia and NATO.

Civilian Toll Continues to Mount

Saturday’s strikes are the latest in a relentless campaign that has battered Ukraine’s cities since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The United Nations estimates that tens of thousands of civilians have been killed or wounded in the conflict, though the true figures are likely far higher.

In Dnipro, emergency crews worked through the night to rescue survivors from damaged apartment blocks. Authorities said dozens of residents were evacuated, while hospitals prepared for a surge in the wounded.

Zelenskyy reiterated his call for increased Western support, urging allies to accelerate the delivery of air defense systems and ammunition. “Russia’s terror must be stopped. The world has the means to do it. Every delay costs lives,” he said.

Looking Ahead

The strikes come as both Ukrainian and Russian forces prepare for a grueling winter of warfare. Analysts say Moscow may seek to undermine Ukraine’s morale and disrupt civilian life by targeting energy grids, transportation links, and industrial hubs.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is pressing Western allies for more long-range missiles and advanced air defense platforms. The country’s leaders argue that without stronger defenses, Russia will continue to devastate civilian areas with impunity.

For now, Ukrainians brace for more attacks as the war enters its 32nd month. In Dnipro, residents cleared rubble and boarded up shattered windows, a grim routine that has become all too familiar. “We survive one night and then the next,” said Iryna, a schoolteacher whose home was damaged. “We just want peace, but instead we wake up to war again and again.”