Russia launched more than 650 drones and 38 missiles at Ukraine in a large-scale attack that began during the night and continued into daylight on Tuesday, officials said. The assault killed at least three people, including a 4-year-old child, two days before Christmas.
Massive Drone and Missile Barrage
The barrage struck homes and the power grid in 13 regions, causing widespread outages amid bitter temperatures. Ukraine’s air force reported that 635 drones of various types and 38 missiles were fired. Its air defenses intercepted 587 drones and 34 missiles, leaving 48 drones and 4 missiles to reach their targets.
Casualties and Damage
Initial emergency reports identified the child’s death in the northwestern Zhytomyr region. A woman was killed by a drone in the Kyiv region, and another civilian fatality was recorded in the western Khmelnytskyi region, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Energy System Disruption
The strike marked the ninth large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine’s energy system this year. It left multiple western regions without power and triggered emergency outages across the country, Energy Minister Artem Nekraso said. Work to restore power would begin as soon as the security situation permitted.
Impact on Private Energy Supplier
Ukraine’s largest private energy supplier, DTEK, said the attack targeted its thermal power stations. It was the seventh major strike on the company’s facilities since October. DTEK’s thermal plants have been hit more than 220 times since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, killing four workers and wounding 59.
Regional Damage Details
Authorities in Rivne, Ternopil, Lviv, and the northern Sumy region reported damage to energy infrastructure or power outages after the attack. In the southern Odesa region, Russia struck energy, port, transport, industrial and residential infrastructure. A merchant ship and over 120 homes were damaged, regional head Oleh Kiper said.
Zelenskyy’s Response
President Zelenskyy condemned the attack on the Telegram messaging app, saying the bombardment “demonstrated Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intention of pursuing the invasion of Ukraine.” He added, “The attack is an extremely clear signal of Russian priorities. 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.”
International Reaction
U.S. President Donald Trump has been pressing for a peace agreement, but negotiations remain entangled in differing demands from Moscow and Kyiv. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said Sunday he held “productive and constructive” talks in Florida with Ukrainian and European representatives. Trump was less effusive Monday, saying, “The talks are going along.”
Key Takeaways
- Russia fired over 650 drones and 38 missiles, killing three people, including a child.
- The attack caused widespread power outages in 13 regions and marked the ninth major strike on Ukraine’s energy system.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy condemned the assault as a clear signal of Russian priorities amid ongoing peace negotiations.
The assault underscored the ongoing intensity of the conflict, with Russia continuing to target civilian infrastructure while diplomatic efforts for a peace deal face significant obstacles.
