Russia Launches Largest Air Assault on Ukraine, Igniting Government Building

An explosion from a missile is seen above the city of Kyiv.(Credit:Unknown)

KYIV, Ukraine — In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia unleashed its largest air assault on Ukraine to date, targeting multiple cities and setting a government building ablaze in the capital, Kyiv. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, September 7, 2025, involved a barrage of missiles and drones, marking a significant intensification of hostilities.

According to Ukrainian officials, the assault targeted critical infrastructure and civilian areas across the country, with Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa reporting significant damage. In Kyiv, a government administrative building was struck, resulting in a massive fire that emergency services struggled to contain. Videos circulating on social media showed flames and thick black smoke billowing from the structure, a symbol of Ukraine’s governance.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, calling it a “deliberate attempt to terrorize civilians and destabilize the nation.” In a televised address, he reported preliminary casualty figures, stating that at least 12 people were killed and dozens injured nationwide, though the numbers are expected to rise as rescue operations continue. “Russia’s aggression knows no bounds, but our resolve is stronger,” Zelenskyy said, vowing to hold Moscow accountable.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia deployed over 100 missiles and drones, including hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, which are difficult to intercept. Air raid sirens blared across Ukraine for hours, forcing millions into bomb shelters. Ukraine’s air defenses managed to shoot down a significant number of projectiles, but the sheer scale of the attack overwhelmed some systems.

In Kharkiv, a residential neighborhood was hit, destroying several apartment buildings and leaving families trapped under rubble. Odesa’s port infrastructure, critical for Ukraine’s grain exports, also sustained heavy damage, raising concerns about global food supply chains.

International reaction was swift. U.S. President Joseph Biden called the attack “a horrific escalation” and pledged additional military aid to Ukraine. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg reiterated the alliance’s support, stating, “Russia’s actions only strengthen our commitment to Ukraine’s defense.” The United Nations called for an emergency Security Council meeting to address the crisis.

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed the strikes targeted military facilities and energy infrastructure supporting Ukraine’s war effort, accusing Kyiv of planning attacks on Russian soil. The Kremlin has not commented on the civilian casualties or the strike on the government building.

The attack comes amid heightened tensions following Ukraine’s recent incursions into Russian territory and increased Western military support for Kyiv. Analysts suggest Russia’s massive air assault may be an attempt to reassert dominance as the war enters a critical phase.

In Kyiv, firefighters battled the blaze at the government building well into the afternoon, with reports of structural collapse complicating rescue efforts. Local residents described scenes of chaos, with one eyewitness, Olena Mykhailova, recounting, “The explosion shook our entire street. We thought the end had come.”

As Ukraine assesses the damage, Zelenskyy called for urgent international assistance to bolster air defenses and rebuild. “We need the world to act now, not tomorrow,” he said. The attack has renewed calls for stricter sanctions on Russia and expedited delivery of advanced weaponry to Ukraine.

The full extent of the destruction is still unfolding, but the assault has underscored the war’s devastating toll and the urgent need for a path to peace. For now, Ukraine braces for further attacks as the international community grapples with how to respond to Russia’s unprecedented bombardment.