Russian Drone Strikes Kyiv School and Infrastructure Amid Intensified Air Assault

A Russian drone has struck a school in Kyiv, officials reported, as the Ukrainian capital faced another day of heavy bombardment. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that children and staff were safely sheltering when the attack occurred on Thursday, with no immediate reports of casualties.

In other areas, two Russian drones targeted an essential bridge linking eastern and western Kyiv, leading to the suspension of both metro services and ground public transport. Additionally, Ukraine’s nuclear safety watchdog announced that a Russian drone struck the grounds of a nuclear research facility in Kyiv on Wednesday. The strike sparked a fire that was quickly extinguished, and authorities confirmed that the test reactor, which has been shut down since 2022, remained undamaged and no injuries were reported.

According to Ukraine’s air force, the frequency of Russian drone strikes surged in September, totaling 3,177 attacks by September 29, compared with 2,850 recorded in August. Across the border in Russia’s Belgorod region, local authorities reported that one man was killed on Thursday when a drone exploded in the town of Graivoron.

These developments coincide with the United Kingdom's announcement of a new round of 31 sanctions against Russia, designed to cut off funding to the Kremlin's war effort, propagandists, and alleged torturers. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated that the measures target eight individuals linked to the arbitrary detention and mistreatment of Ukrainian civilians, as well as seven others involved in the militarisation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children. The UK reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine until the conclusion of the conflict.