Ukraine Downs 60% of Russian Ballistic Missiles in Overnight Barrage, Zelensky Says
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine intercepted 60% of the ballistic missiles Russia launched in an overnight assault that included three waves of strikes and a drone attack on Kyiv. He warned that Ukraine is struggling to replenish its air defense missile stocks. The attack killed two people in the capital and injured at least six, according to Kyiv authorities.
The overnight assault unfolded in three distinct ballistic missile waves, with a separate drone barrage aimed at Kyiv. Ukrainian forces reported intercepting 60% of the ballistic projectiles, though President Zelensky noted that interception rates have fluctuated dramatically this year, sometimes falling to 10% or even zero. He attributed the inconsistency to a shortage of interceptor missiles rather than a lack of operator skill.
The strikes caused significant damage across the capital, including to a maternity hospital, a diagnostic center, and residential buildings. Two people were killed and at least six injured in Kyiv, following a prior drone attack on Sept. 23 that also killed two and wounded dozens. Zelensky discussed the assault with top military commanders while in New York.
This attack could strain Ukraine’s already limited air defense resources, potentially affecting civilian safety in major cities. If interceptor stocks remain low, future barrages may cause higher casualties and infrastructure damage, undermining public confidence in protection. The pattern of repeated strikes may also pressure Western allies to accelerate missile deliveries, though such decisions carry geopolitical and logistical implications.