Russian strikes on Ukraine kill three as Zelenskyy in US for UN summit | Drone Strikes News
Russian Strikes Hit Ukraine Amid UN General Assembly
By Al Jazeera Staff
September 22, 2026
Russian forces conducted widespread missile and drone attacks across several regions of Ukraine overnight, resulting in the deaths of at least three people and causing power outages for nearly 100,000 residents, Ukrainian officials reported.
The strikes targeted industrial sites in the Dnipropetrovsk region, impacting cities including Dnipro, Pavlohrad, and Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Oleksandr Hanzha, the regional governor, provided updates on Telegram, stating that three fatalities and six injuries were reported in Dnipro, where missiles, drones, and artillery caused significant damage to commercial and warehouse properties.
According to Ukraine’s air force, the assault involved 212 drones, four cruise missiles, and various Oniks anti-ship and ballistic missiles. The attacks also severely affected energy infrastructure, with a strike on a power facility in the northern Chernihiv region leaving nearly 100,000 residents without electricity. In the Poltava region, Governor Vitalii Diakivnych confirmed a “massive” attack targeting both an industrial enterprise and critical infrastructure.
The Russian Ministry of Defence acknowledged the assaults, stating they struck industrial and military sites, as well as key elements in the fuel and energy sector, port facilities, and vessels supporting the Ukrainian military.
In a reciprocal action, Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted the Samara region in Russia, resulting in one death and four injuries, as confirmed by the local governor. The area is home to vital facilities, including oil refineries. The Russian Defence Ministry claimed its air defense units intercepted and destroyed 297 Ukrainian drones across various regions.
Diplomatic Efforts at the UN
These military operations coincide with President Zelenskyy’s arrival in New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where discussions on resolving the conflict are expected to be a central topic among nearly 130 heads of state.
Zelenskyy announced on social media that discussions regarding a “drone deal” aimed at enhancing air defense and securing additional funding for Ukraine’s war effort are underway. He emphasized the importance of advancing peace and protecting civilians, highlighting plans for about 20 meetings with international leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and European officials.
On the sidelines of the UNGA, Zelenskyy met with French President Emmanuel Macron. Following their conversation, Macron and Trump agreed to collaborate on establishing a moratorium on attacks targeting energy networks and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. Both Zelenskyy and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov are scheduled to address the UN Assembly later this week.
Image: French President Emmanuel Macron meets with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the UNGA in New York City on September 21, 2026. [Ludovic Marin/AFP]
