ISW’s infographic showed that the attack was also the most intense since the meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15.
On Aug. 28, Russia launched a total of 629 aerial targets at Ukraine — 589 were intercepted or suppressed. For comparison, the July 9 record saw 741 aerial targets used.
ISW analysts noted that Russia had reduced the number and intensity of its strikes in the weeks leading up to the Alaska summit, likely in an attempt to appear as a “good faith” actor before U.S. negotiators. That pause was a deliberate effort to accumulate missiles and drones for future use.
Now, with those stockpiles built up, ISW forecasts that Russia is likely to escalate attacks in the coming weeks — targeting Ukraine’s infrastructure as fall and winter approach. The enemy's goal is to to wear down Ukrainian morale and resistance through sustained, large-scale bombardment.
ISW also warned that these expanded strikes — both in terms of volume and the types of munitions used — increase the risk of civilian casualties.
Diplomatic buildings targeted
ISW highlighted that both the British Council and the EU Delegation in Ukraine confirmed serious damage to their Kyiv offices following the Aug. 28 attack. In response, the European Commission and the United Kingdom summoned Russian representatives in Brussels and London.
The analysts described these strikes as intentional, like an Aug. 21 attack on U.S.-owned civilian facility in the Zakarpattya Oblast (Mukachevo). According to the think tank, these actions are part of a wider Russian effort to discourage Ukraine’s allies from investing or continuing support.
The Aug. 28 attack — hitting UK and EU diplomatic institutions — likely had the same objective: to intimidate Europe and undermine its support for Ukraine at a critical time when the U.S. and EU are jointly shaping long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.
Kyiv strike on Aug. 28
On the night of Aug. 28, Russia launched a coordinated strike on Kyiv using Shahed drones, Geran drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.
Powerful explosions rocked all districts of the capital, with damage reported at over 30 locations and 225 residential buildings affected.
Among the key targets hit:
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Intercity high-speed rail depot
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Numerous institutions and offices on Zhylianska Street in central Kyiv
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EU Delegation and British Council buildings.
In the Darnytskyi district, a residential high-rise was severely damaged, with one of its entrances destroyed.
As of the morning of Aug. 29, 23 people were confirmed dead, including four children aged 2 to 17.
Following the attack, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned Russia’s targeting of civilians and urged Moscow to begin negotiations. The Russian ambassador to the EU was summoned to Brussels.