Three Dead as Russia Launches Massive Drone and Missile Strikes Across Ukraine
December 23, 2025
Russia launched a "massive" attack on several Ukrainian cities overnight on Monday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. At least three people died, including a four-year-old child. Ukrainian officials reported over 600 drones and 30 missiles were used. The strikes targeted energy infrastructure, leaving several regions without power.
Zelensky said, "people simply want to be with their families, at home, and safe" during Christmas. He added, "Putin still cannot accept that he must stop killing. And that means that the world is not putting enough pressure on Russia."
In the Zhytomyr region, a four-year-old girl was taken to hospital but could not be saved, according to local official Vitaly Bunechko. Five others were injured. A 76-year-old woman died and three were injured in a Kyiv region house strike. In Khmelnytskyy, a 72-year-old man was killed, said regional head Serhiy Tyurin.
Polish fighter jets responded to missiles and drones targeting western Ukraine. Russia claimed it targeted energy and transport infrastructure, as per Tass news agency.
Ukraine struck a petrochemical plant in southern Russia's Stavropol region, causing a large fire but no casualties. Governor Vladimir Vladimirov confirmed a Ukrainian drone caused the damage.
Ukraine's energy operator warned of emergency power shutdowns across all regions due to the attacks. Acting Energy Minister Artem Nekrasov said it was the ninth major attack this year. Some regions have lost almost all power. MP Oleksandr Merezhko said some areas might remain without electricity "for days".
Odesa has faced intense attacks recently following Putin's threat to cut Ukraine's Black Sea access. The attacks happened after a Russian general was killed in Moscow by a car bomb, which Russia blamed on Ukraine.
Zelensky revealed the US proposed a Christmas truce, but Russia rejected it. He said progress is being made in peace talks, with several draft documents prepared including plans for war end, security guarantees, and post-war recovery.
Russian President Putin was scheduled to be briefed on the talks by envoy Kirill Dmitriev.
Read More at Bbc →
Tags:
Russia
Ukraine
Attack
Zelensky
Energy infrastructure
Drone Strike
Comments