Russia Escalates Drone and Missile Strikes on Ukraine

KYIV, September 18, 2025 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia launched more than 3,500 drones and nearly 190 missiles in September alone, calling the attacks an “aerial terror” campaign.

A major Russian strike hit Zaporizhzhia, killing one person and injuring at least 18, while Mykolaiv and Kharkiv also reported casualties and infrastructure damage. Ukraine retaliated with a drone strike on Russia’s Saratov oil refinery, sparking explosions and a fire.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed shelling near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, where black smoke rose close to fuel storage, heightening nuclear safety concerns.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration approved its first weapons aid packages under the new PURL system, including $1 billion in NATO-funded air defense and artillery systems. In a show of force, Russia and Belarus conducted joint war games rehearsing tactical nuclear launches, while Poland announced plans to finalize the purchase of three submarines this year under its “Orka” program.