Kyiv, Ukraine – 10 September 2025
The war between Russia and Ukraine continues its grueling and devastating trajectory, with no end in sight. The conflict, now in its third year, has settled into a grinding war of attrition marked by intensified Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian cities, relentless fighting along the front lines, and mounting civilian casualties.
Recent weeks have seen a dramatic escalation in Russia’s long-range attacks. Just days ago, on September 7, Russia launched what was described as its largest-ever air assault on Ukraine. The unprecedented bombardment targeted the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, damaging a key government building, and causing numerous casualties, including a mother and her child. This and other recent attacks across the country underscore Russia’s continued strategy of striking civilian infrastructure and instilling terror, far from the front lines.
Headlines:
* Russia’s Air Attacks Intensify: Russia has increased its use of long-range missiles and drones, launching a record-breaking number of projectiles at Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhia.
* Fighting Remains Focused in the East: On the front lines, particularly in the eastern Donbas region, the war has become a brutal struggle for incremental gains. While Russia has made some advances, its summer offensive failed to achieve any major breakthroughs.
* High Civilian Toll: The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with recent Russian strikes killing at least 24 elderly civilians in a village in Donetsk as they were collecting pension payments.
* Drone Warfare Dominates the Battlefield: Both sides are increasingly relying on drones for reconnaissance, strikes, and electronic warfare. The battle is now described as a “war of drones,” with a constant struggle for technological superiority.
* International Support Continues: The UK-led International Fund for Ukraine has secured over $2 billion in military support, providing thousands of drones, missiles, and other equipment to Kyiv to help it defend against the ongoing aggression.
The human cost of the war remains staggering, with hundreds of thousands of military and tens of thousands of civilian casualties. Approximately 19% of Ukraine’s territory remains under Russian occupation, and millions of Ukrainians have been displaced, creating Europe’s largest refugee crisis since World War II.
Despite ongoing international efforts to find a diplomatic solution, there are no signs of a ceasefire. Russia continues to reject any negotiations that do not meet its demands, and Ukraine insists on the full liberation of its territory. The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations continue to warn of a dire situation, with a humanitarian response plan in place to provide life-saving assistance and help civilians face another brutal winter of war.
