Escalating Conflict: Russia's Massive Attack on Ukraine

Sat Sep 13 2025 12:26:11 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia has launched a significant nighttime air assault on Ukraine, leading to multiple casualties as Kyiv retaliates with strikes on Russian oil refineries.

Russia conducted a large-scale attack on Ukraine overnight, utilizing over 500 drones and 45 missiles, impacting 14 regions. The assault resulted in casualties, including one death in Zaporizhzhia and injuries to 28 others, while Ukraine hit back by targeting Russian oil facilities. President Zelensky criticized Russia's aggression, emphasizing the urgent need for international sanctions amidst stalled diplomatic efforts for peace.

Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Ukraine's southern and central regions, authorities said, as Kyiv struck Russian oil refineries.

One woman was killed in Zaporizhzhia and 28 people were injured - including three children - according to local officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Moscow launched over 500 drones and 45 missiles, hitting 14 regions across the country.

In response to the attack, Russia's defense ministry claimed all targets of the strike have been achieved and that designated objects have been hit.

This latest offensive occurs amid ongoing international efforts to secure peace, and follows a previous day where Ukraine faced one of the biggest aerial assaults of the conflict, resulting in at least 23 fatalities.

In Dnipropetrovsk, Governor Serhiy Lysak reported a massive attack during the night, urging residents to take cover. Notably, this marked the second consecutive night Dnipropetrovsk was targeted. Earlier, Kyiv acknowledged Russia's military presence in the region, indicating an attempt to establish a foothold.

Railway infrastructure was damaged near Kyiv, but the heaviest strikes were reported in central and south-eastern Ukraine. Emergency services responded to fires in Zaporizhzhia, while explosions were also documented in Dnipro and Pavlohrad.

In retaliation, Ukraine's military targeted the Krasnodar and Syzran oil refineries in Russia, claiming significant damage at the facilities. Russian authorities confirmed the strikes, indicating damage to one process unit and a fire in the vicinity, but no casualties were reported.

The Russian defense ministry also stated it successfully shot down 20 Ukrainian drones, including 18 over Crimea. Additionally, they announced the capture of a rural settlement in Donetsk, which Ukraine has not confirmed.

Zelensky’s remarks highlighted Russia's blatant disregard for peace efforts, calling for heightened sanctions from the global community. He insisted that action must come from the US, Europe, and allies worldwide.

As European foreign ministers convene in Denmark to address the conflict, discussions are underway regarding the potential freezing of approximately €210bn worth of Russian assets. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas noted that it is clear Russia does not want peace, reinforcing the need for robust sanctions to diminish Russia's military resources.