12-Year-Old Oleksandra Polishchuk Among Four Killed in Massive Kyiv Missile Strike

Kyiv, Ukraine – A 12-year-old girl, Oleksandra Polishchuk, was tragically killed on September 28, 2025, when a Russian missile struck her apartment building in Kyiv. The incident was part of a widespread Russian aerial assault that claimed at least four lives and injured over 75 people across the Ukrainian capital and other regions. The attack, which involved hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, caused extensive damage to residential areas and civilian infrastructure.

Oleksandra Polishchuk, a 7th-grade student at Kyiv's School No. 159, died as a direct result of the strike. Her mother was reportedly hospitalized in serious condition following the attack. The school declared September 29 a day of mourning for the young victim, and local residents brought flowers and toys to the damaged site in her memory.

The overnight bombardment, lasting over 12 hours, saw Russia launch nearly 600 drones and more than 40 cruise missiles. Ukrainian air defenses reported downing 568 drones and 43 missiles, but several targets were hit across Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, and other regions. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed damage to over 20 locations in the capital, including residential buildings, a medical facility, and a kindergarten.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the "vile attack," stating that it occurred at the close of UN General Assembly week, demonstrating Russia's intent to continue fighting and killing. He emphasized that Moscow benefits from continuing the war and deserves the "toughest pressure from the world." The strikes also impacted a bakery in the Kyiv region, injuring five employees, and a winery in the Odesa region.

This latest assault marks an intensification of Russian aerial attacks on Ukraine, particularly as the country heads into colder months. Officials have warned citizens to prepare for further strikes targeting energy infrastructure. The consistent targeting of civilian areas continues to draw international condemnation and highlights the ongoing human cost of the conflict.