KYIV: Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure across Ukraine killed at least seven people on Wednesday, including two in Kyiv, where drone attacks have intensified this month both day and night, sending locals scurrying for cover.
The attacks came as President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke at the UN General Assembly in New York, where he appealed again for better air defences against the barrage of Russian drones and missiles.
Kyiv officials said more than 40 people were wounded in a wave of strikes which hit gas stations, offices, a college building, businesses and the rail network, while the internet was cut to some 100,000 households.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga accused Russia of targeting data centres “to disrupt the flow of information” and putting lives at risk by hindering civilian access to the threat from incoming missiles and drones.
“This is critical civilian infrastructure that ensures people can access life-saving information,” he said. “It is not a military target.
It is essential to keeping everyday life functioning.” Reporters in the city saw clouds of smoke across the city, while air-defence explosions were heard and the smell of burning filled the air as commuters headed to work.
Artem Derevyaha said he and his colleagues evacuated the canteen where they work after a first strike hit the building. “Everyone went out, and we had literally just moved two metres away when the second strike happened,” he said.
“You just have time to lie down on the floor, that’s all. You don’t have any thoughts in your head. Absolutely nothing.”
Published in Dawn, September 24th, 2026
