Zelensky Denounces Hours-Long Russian Assault on Ukraine

Tue Oct 21 2025 01:29:50 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a shocking 12-hour aerial bombardment, Russia's attacks on Ukraine, particularly Kyiv, have resulted in tragedy, with President Zelensky vowing a strong response. The relentless assault raises alarms about ongoing tensions in the region.

A brutal aerial assault by Russia lasting over 12 hours has left at least four dead and dozens injured in Ukraine, targeting major cities including the capital, Kyiv. President Zelensky condemned the attacks, describing them as 'vile' and asserted Ukraine would retaliate aggressively. The strike involved nearly 600 drones and missiles, causing significant civilian damage and raising international concerns about Russia's resolve in the conflict.

A Russian aerial bombardment that lasted more than 12 hours has killed at least four people and injured at least 70 others in Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said the deaths all occurred in the capital, Kyiv, where many of the projectiles were aimed, and the victims included a 12-year-old girl.

The barrage - involving nearly 600 drones and several dozen missiles aimed at seven regions of Ukraine - is one of the heaviest in recent months.

Zelensky warned that Ukraine would retaliate and said the 'vile' attack showed Moscow 'wants to continue fighting and killing'. Russia claimed it struck military facilities and industrial enterprises supporting Ukraine's armed forces.

For Ukrainians, aerial bombardments are both random and routine, often occurring late on Saturday nights, with the first sirens sounding at 22:00 GMT this time. The sound of anti-aircraft fire was punctuated with explosions from intercepted drones or direct hits.

The damage from the attacks included a large bakery, an automobile rubber factory, and the Institute of Cardiology, where a nurse and patient were killed. Authorities reported over 100 civilian sites damaged across the country.

Zelensky emphasized that this attack, coinciding with the UN General Assembly, was Russia's declaration of intent and called for a strong reaction from Europe and the US.

As tensions escalate, NATO has responded by increasing its surveillance and defensive capabilities in the Baltic region, following several incursions by Russian drones over NATO allies.