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The aftermath of Russian attack on Kyiv, Sept. 28, 2026 (Photo: REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko)
Russia has launched a three-tier campaign of bombardments, sabotage, and political chaos targeting Kyiv, The Economist reported on Sept. 29.
Ukrainian intelligence was aware of Moscow’s intent to escalate pressure against the capital, warning that "the worst is still to come." Among Russian forces' prioritized targets within Kyiv are commercial data centers, retail logistics, and civilian supermarkets.
"Putin has gone even more insane. He gave the order to attack all civilian infrastructure. They want people to be afraid to go to supermarkets," senior Ukrainian official told The Economist in mid-September.
Both officials confirmed that Ukrainian state agencies anticipated an intensification of Russian operations against Kyiv well ahead of the winter season.
According to a representative of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Russia has stockpiled "thousands" of strike drones while concurrently amassing its ballistic missile reserves. Moscow's operational plan centers on "deploying the full arsenal over the next two months," exploiting Ukraine's current lack of dedicated counter-measures against high-speed jet-powered drones.
Ukrainian authorities assess that the aerial onslaught will be paired with physical hybrid disruptions within the country, including potential contract assassinations and domestic terror plots.
The third pillar of the campaign relies on disinformation networks and manufactured political polarization. Due to societal exhaustion after years of war, the impact of this phase is difficult to gauge, The Economist observed. Exploiting domestic corruption scandals, public administrative friction, and institutional missteps, Russian bot networks have been weaponized to inflame internal discord.
"Disrupting daily life could lead to Ukrainians fighting among themselves," a senior government official warned.
However, other defense and communication figures expressed skepticism regarding the Kremlin’s expectations.
"The Russians are foolishly hoping that their bot farms will force our people into the streets to demand capitulation. That is complete nonsense. Someone is feeding Putin this idea simply so they can steal more money," said Andrii Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation.
Mounting strikes on Kyiv infrastructure
Targeting civilian logistics: Taking advantage of depleted air defense interceptors, Russian forces have subjected Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast to near-daily barrages of jet drones and ballistic missiles since late August, hitting fuel stations, civilian logistics hubs, residential blocks, and telecommunications sites.
Sept. 28 central Kyiv strike: A mass drone raid struck the Presidium building of the National Academy of Sciences in the Shevchenkivskyi District, killing two people. Secondary impacts damaged the Dobrobut Medical Clinic in the Holosiivskyi District, an Ukrtelecom facility, office centers, and residential high-rises, injuring at least 26 civilians.
Sept. 29 infrastructure attack: A combined missile and drone salvo damaged the locomotive and rail depot at Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi central railway station, along with commercial data facilities and residential apartment complexes.
Sept. 30 overnight casualties: Russia struck the capital again overnight into Sept. 30 with ballistic missiles and UAVs, killing two people, wounding four others, and causing localized power outages across Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast.
Strategic outlook: The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) assessed that Putin is unlikely to accept a reciprocal energy ceasefire ahead of winter, banking instead on long-range strikes to coerce Kyiv into political capitulation. In response, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy promised advanced technological systems to counter jet-powered drones, while Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara announced an overhaul of Kyiv's integrated air defense perimeter.
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