Kyiv, September 7, 2025 — Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky called Russia’s latest aerial assault an act of “deliberate crime,” seeking to prolong the conflict and prolong Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine further. Over 800 drones and over a dozen missiles rained down on Kyiv with deadly results that left lasting symbolism at its core.
Ukraine’s Air Force reported the launch of approximately 823 aerial weapons, 751 of which were successfully intercepted by authorities (The Times).
At least two casualties were confirmed in Kyiv: a young woman and 3-month-old infant — tragic reminders of the human cost of this relentless campaign, according to The Times/AP News.
At first light of this conflict, the Cabinet of Ministers building in central Kyiv – long untouched by previous strikes – was hit hard, its roof and upper floors being burned by fires on Monday night. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko acknowledged its compromised state but expressed confidence in its repairability remarking, “We can always repair buildings but lives are irreplaceable” [The Times/AP News].
Emergency services continue their work at the site to extinguish flames and secure the area.
Beyond Kyiv, the offensive has cast its deadly shadow over cities such as Dnipro, Kharkiv, Kremenchuk, Odesa, Kryvyi Rih and Zaporizhzhia–proving its wide scope, according to The Times AP News and other media reports. Doughnut-shaped holes were seen throughout Ukraine with estimates estimating 20+ casualties by Washington Post for that campaign alone (The Washington Post/AP News).
“Tyrannous killings at this late date–when real diplomacy could have started years earlier–are acts of war crimes,” President Zelensky posted on Telegram. The world can stop Kremlin criminals from killing by exerting political will; all that’s necessary is for that world power to stop killing.
The Times | Washington Post
His words reflect mounting frustration over stalled peace talks and inadequate pressure being applied on Moscow.
International leaders and Kyiv’s Western allies have been encouraged to take swifter actions against Russia by tightening sanctions, particularly targeting their oil and gas industries, and by strengthening air defense capabilities for Ukraine, according to The Washington Post and Associated News reports.
Zelensky asserted that only increased military might and strong political will could forestall further attacks.
As smoke pours from Kyiv’s skyline, residents grapple with fear and resilience. Officials assure them the strike won’t erode Ukraine’s resolve or hinder its journey toward freedom and sovereignty.