In late September 2025, Russia launched one of the most intense aerial assaults on Ukraine to date, employing a massive wave of drones and missiles. Reports suggest nearly 500 drones and over 40 missiles struck Kyiv and multiple regions across the country.Al Jazeera+3The Kyiv Independent+3The Guardian+3

The strikes, which lasted more than 12 hours, caused damage to residential buildings, infrastructure, and public facilities. At least four civilians were killed, including a 12-year-old girl, and dozens more were injured.The Guardian+2Al Jazeera+2

Ukraine’s air defenses intercepted a large number of the incoming threats, but some penetrated defenses and caused disruption in multiple districts of Kyiv and surrounding oblasts.Al Jazeera+2The Guardian+2 The governor of Zaporizhzhia also reported significant damage in that region.The Kyiv Independent+1

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as “vile and cowardly,” calling for increased international pressure on Russia and stronger defense support for Ukraine.The Guardian+1

---

NATO’s Response & Rising Tensions

The scale and boldness of the strikes have alarmed NATO member states. In response to the aggression and to mounting airspace concerns, NATO has warned that it will use “all necessary measures” to defend its members from airspace violations.AP News

Earlier in September, Russian drones breached Polish airspace on multiple occasions, prompting Polish jets to scramble.The Washington Post+1 Estonia has also reported violations of its airspace by Russian aircraft, leading it to invoke consultations under Article 4 of the NATO treaty due to concerns over national security.AP News+1

In direct response to these threats, NATO launched Operation Eastern Sentry to reinforce its eastern defenses and improve readiness along member borders.Wikipedia

NATO’s commitment to collective defense is being tested—any escalation or miscalculation could trigger broader confrontations, especially given how drone and missile attacks blur traditional front lines.AP News+1

---

Implications & What to Watch Next

• Russia’s use of drone swarms and missile barrages suggests a shift toward asymmetric aerial warfare, aiming to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses and test NATO’s response.
• Smaller incursion into NATO airspace may evolve into more frequent probes.
• Ukraine has proposed cooperation with allies to build a joint aerial shield to defend against Russian aerial threats.Reuters+1
• With NATO now actively reinforcing its eastern flank, the risk of miscalculation or accidental escalation is higher than ever.