Russia has intensified its war against Ukraine in both scale and method this summer, according to a UK statement to the OSCE today, 17 September 2026. The UK highlighted evidence of devastating consequences for Ukrainian civilians.
In July, Russia reportedly fired 460 missiles at Ukraine, including 195 ballistic and hypersonic missiles, setting wartime monthly records for both. August saw over 2,800 jet-powered drones launched, another record. July was also the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since May 2022.
Recent attacks include a double strike on a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih on 21 August, which killed 16 people and injured 130. On 10 September, drones struck near a shopping centre in Pavlohrad, killing five civilians and injuring 67. Last night, Ukraine, including Kyiv, was subjected to another barrage of missiles and drones, leaving at least 16 people injured and damaging residential accommodation and other civilian infrastructure.
The UK also noted intensified attacks on transport and trade, with Russian strikes hitting 40 locomotives in August. Sixty-two railway workers have been killed since the full-scale invasion began. Attacks on border infrastructure linking Ukraine with Romania and Moldova in early September disrupt civilian movement and commerce, creating a serious risk of wider escalation, according to the UK. Similar patterns are visible at sea, with increased attacks on Ukrainian civilian shipping and port infrastructure in the Black Sea, threatening freedom of navigation and impeding exports.
Russia's increased use of jet-powered drones during the day has led to persistent air alerts, disrupting economic activity and civilian life. Kyiv experienced 76 air-raid alerts between 27 August and 3 September, the highest rate recorded during the war.