Russian forces launched a massive overnight-and-daytime assault that used more than 650 drones and about three dozen missiles, killing at least three civilians, including a 4-year-old. The strikes damaged homes and energy infrastructure across 13 regions, causing widespread power outages amid freezing temperatures. Ukraine reported 635 drones and 38 missiles were launched and said air defenses intercepted most of the attack. Officials described the assault as another major blow to the country’s energy system as diplomatic talks continue.
Massive Russian Drone-and-Missile Strike Kills At Least 3, Cuts Power Across Ukraine
In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, a residential house is seen damaged after a Russian strike in Zhytomyr region, Ukraine. (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)
Russian forces launched a large-scale overnight assault that extended into daylight Tuesday, firing more than 650 drones and roughly three dozen missiles at Ukraine, officials said. At least three civilians were killed, including a 4-year-old child, just two days before Christmas.
Details Of The Attack
The barrage struck homes and the national power grid across 13 regions, causing widespread outages in bitterly cold conditions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. Ukrainian authorities and emergency services reported civilian deaths in the northwestern Zhytomyr region, the Kyiv region and western Khmelnytskyi.
"This is an extremely clear signal of Russian priorities," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. "A strike before Christmas, when people want to be with their families, at home, in safety. A strike, in fact, in the midst of negotiations that are being conducted to end this war. Putin cannot accept the fact that we must stop killing."
Military And Defense Response
Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 635 drones of various types and 38 missiles; air defenses intercepted the majority, shooting down 587 drones and 34 missiles. Officials said many intercepts prevented even greater loss of life and infrastructure damage.
Impact On Energy And Infrastructure
The assault was described by Ukraine’s acting Energy Minister Artem Nekraso as the ninth major Russian attack on the country’s energy system this year. Several western regions were left without power, and emergency outages were imposed nationwide while crews stood ready to begin repairs when security conditions allowed.
Ukraine’s largest private energy company, DTEK, said the strikes targeted thermal power stations — the company called the incident the seventh major hit on its facilities since October. DTEK also said its thermal plants have been hit more than 220 times since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, resulting in four worker deaths and 59 injuries.
Regional Damage
Authorities in Rivne, Ternopil, Lviv and Sumy reported damage to energy infrastructure or outages. In the southern Odesa region, regional head Oleh Kiper said strikes hit energy, port, transport, industrial and residential infrastructure; he added that a merchant ship and more than 120 homes were damaged.
Diplomatic Context
The attack came amid international efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and broader peace terms. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff described talks in Florida as "productive and constructive," while U.S. President Donald Trump said the discussions were "going along." Ukrainian and European officials have expressed skepticism about Moscow’s willingness to negotiate in good faith.
Coverage continues as authorities assess damage and begin restoration where it is safe to do so.
