On Friday, September 11, 2026, Kyiv came under another wave of Russian attacks, with jet-powered drones striking petrol stations in the capital during the morning. At least two people were killed and eight others injured in the attacks, according to Ukrainian officials. A separate strike on a residential building also injured eight people.
The attacks on petrol stations represent a new development in the current campaign against Kyiv. Three stations operated by Ukrnafta have now been hit, including one on September 10 and two on September 11. The latest strikes occurred during the morning rush period, causing explosions and fires in areas where civilians were going about their daily activities.
The attacks come after a period of increasingly frequent Russian drone and missile strikes on Kyiv. According to reports published today, the capital has experienced daily attacks since late August, with Russia deploying large numbers of drones as well as more sophisticated weapons. The use of jet-powered drones has added another challenge for Ukrainian air-defense forces because of their speed.
At the same time, Ukraine is facing shortages of air-defense missiles, particularly interceptors for the U.S.-made Patriot systems. These weapons are among Ukraine’s most important defenses against Russian ballistic missiles, but Ukrainian stocks are reportedly running critically low. The shortage is making it increasingly difficult to protect Kyiv and other major cities against sustained Russian attacks.
The shortage has become an urgent issue ahead of the winter season. Russia has repeatedly targeted energy, transportation and other infrastructure in Ukraine, raising fears that further attacks could place additional pressure on electricity and heating supplies. Ukrainian officials and Western governments are therefore seeking to strengthen air defenses before the most difficult months of the year arrive.
On September 10, Canada announced a C$350 million package to help Ukraine acquire air-defense interceptors. The package is intended to provide urgently needed protection, although Canadian officials did not disclose exactly when the missiles would be delivered. Germany has also indicated that it is considering drawing from its own Patriot reserves to assist Ukraine.
As of September 11, the situation in Kyiv remains tense, with no immediate sign that the Russian aerial campaign is slowing. The combination of increasingly frequent attacks and limited stocks of defensive missiles leaves Ukraine facing a difficult challenge: protecting civilians and critical infrastructure while waiting for additional air-defense supplies from its international partners.
