Russian Missile and Drone Attacks Kill Dozens Across Ukraine, Including Kiev and Odessa
A surge in Russian airstrikes over several days has killed and injured dozens in Ukrainian cities, hitting civilian infrastructure and raising concerns about escalating violence and civilian safety.
By Daniel Okafor · First published 26 Sept 2026
In brief
- A Russian raid on a company in Dnepr killed four people and left others trapped under rubble.
- Subsequent missile and drone attacks struck Kiev, Odessa, and Kharkiv, targeting residential buildings and public infrastructure.
- Fatalities include at least seven in a Kiev office building and additional deaths in Kharkiv and Odessa.
- Ukrainian officials report dozens more injured, with hospitals, a maternity clinic, and logistics centers among the damaged sites.
- Ukrainian leaders warn of continued escalation and appeal for more international support as attacks persist.
Timeline · 10 moments
Russian raid on Dnepr company kills four people
TGcom24 ↗Missile and drone attacks hit Kiev and Odessa, killing civilians
Adnkronos - ultimoratop ↗Shopping center in Zaporizhzhia and merchant ship in Odessa struck
RSS di - ANSA.it ↗Missile strikes kill at least two in Kiev and more in Kharkiv
RSS di - ANSA.it ↗Nine killed and over twenty injured in overnight Russian strikes
Le Monde ↗Office building in Kiev hit, leaving seven dead and dozens injured
Le Monde ↗Four killed in broad daylight raid on Kiev office block
Google News (Dal Mondo) ↗Russia claims strikes on Kiev data center and Odessa infrastructure
Le Monde ↗Six killed in Russian attacks over last 24 hours, including logistics facility
Euronews ↗Zelensky reports daily escalation, two killed in Zaporizhzhia
Adnkronos - ultimoratop ↗How it started
The latest wave of Russian attacks in Ukraine began with a deadly raid on a company in Dnepr. Rescue teams reported that four people were killed, and there were concerns that more victims might be trapped under the debris. This initial strike set off a series of alerts and warnings across the country.
Ukrainian authorities and President Zelensky had previously warned of possible large-scale attacks, citing intelligence reports. These warnings were soon followed by a sharp escalation in Russian military activity targeting both civilian and infrastructure sites.
How it unfolded
On September 22, a Russian attack on a Dnepr company killed four people, with ongoing rescue operations for those possibly trapped, according to TGcom24. That same day, attacks continued in other regions, and Ukrainian officials prepared for further escalation.
By September 23, Russian forces launched heavy drone and missile strikes on Kiev and Odessa. A merchant ship was hit in Odessa, killing its captain, and a shopping center in Zaporizhzhia was also struck, according to Adnkronos and ANSA. The attacks caused significant disruptions, including the suspension of rail services in Kiev.
The violence intensified overnight into September 24, with at least two killed in Kiev and more in Kharkiv, including casualties at a maternity hospital and a farming facility, as reported by ANSA and Le Monde. Ukrainian authorities documented a rising death toll and dozens more injured as Russian missiles and drones continued to hit urban and rural targets.
September 25 saw a devastating attack on a Kiev office building, killing at least seven and injuring 46, according to the city's mayor and Le Monde. Residential districts and infrastructure in Odessa and other cities were also targeted, with further fatalities reported. Among the victims was a 14-year-old, killed when a residential high-rise was struck.
On September 26, Russia claimed responsibility for strikes on a data center in Kiev and port infrastructure in Odessa. Ukrainian officials continued to report daily escalation and new casualties as the attacks persisted, including a "double strike" on a logistics facility.
Where it stands
Ukraine remains under heavy bombardment, with attacks reported nightly in multiple regions. The death toll from the recent series of strikes has climbed, with dozens more wounded and significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, and energy facilities.
Ukrainian leaders continue to warn of further escalation and are urging international partners for increased support and defense systems. Rescue and recovery operations are ongoing in several affected areas, while authorities brace for additional strikes.
What to watch
Ukrainian officials have warned that the Russian escalation may continue, with more large-scale attacks possible in the coming days. The international response, particularly in terms of military aid and sanctions, will be critical as Ukraine seeks to defend its cities and civilians from further strikes.


