Key facts
- Russia has conducted near-constant jet-powered drone attacks on Ukraine for five consecutive days.
- Over the past day, Russian strikes killed seven people and injured 43 across six Ukrainian regions.
- Kyiv and its surrounding areas are primary targets, experiencing frequent air raid alerts.
- Ukrainian air defenses intercepted approximately 79% of the 121 drones launched overnight.
- The sustained attacks are straining Ukraine's air defense systems and increasing civilian casualties.
Ukraine is facing its fifth consecutive day of continuous Russian jet-powered drone attacks, leading to widespread air raid alerts and significant civilian casualties. Over the past day, strikes across six regions have killed seven people and injured 43. Kyiv and its surrounding areas remain primary targets, with frequent alerts disrupting daily life and the economy.
Russian forces have altered their tactics, launching separate, near-hourly drone attacks throughout the day instead of massive overnight barrages. These drones can reach speeds of up to 600 kph, making them faster than previous models. The capital experienced 13 alerts on August 28, the highest number since the full-scale invasion began.
Overnight, Russia launched 121 long-range attack drones and one cruise missile, with Ukrainian air defenses intercepting 96 drones. While the missile missed its target, several drones evaded defenses and struck 11 locations. Falling debris was also reported at eight other sites.
In Donetsk Oblast, four people were killed and seven injured. Zaporizhzhia Oblast reported two deaths and three injuries. Kherson Oblast saw one person killed and 16 injured. Dnipropetrovsk Oblast reported five injuries, with two additional injuries at an industrial facility in Kryvyi Rih. Kharkiv Oblast had four injured, and a Nova Poshta terminal in Odesa Oblast was struck without civilian casualties.
July 2026 marked the deadliest month for civilians in Ukraine since March 2022, with 437 killed and 2,610 injured, a 30% increase from June. Civilian casualties were 70% higher than in July of the previous year, and child casualties also reached their highest level since April 2022.