In the early hours of Aug. 28, Russia struck with one of its deadliest bombardments in months using ballistic and cruise missiles, hypersonic Kinzhals, and waves of Iranian-made Shahed drones. The assault left at least 18 people dead, including three children aged 2, 14, and 17, with dozens more injured as rescue operations raced to save lives amidst the rubble.

The devastation was felt across six of the city’s districts – Darnytskyi, Dniprovskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, Solomianskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, and Desnianskyi – where apartment blocks were split in two, buildings burned, and schools, kindergartens, and offices were either destroyed or severely damaged.

Photos: Chris Sampson

Text: Jeremy Dirac