Russia Unleashes Massive Drone and Missile Barrage Across Ukraine

Over 600 Projectiles Kill Three, Including Child, Shatter Power Grids in 13 Regions Amid Stalled Peace Talks

Russia launched a massive overnight assault on Ukraine on December 22-23, 2025, deploying over 600 drones and dozens of missiles across multiple regions, killing at least three people including a child and causing widespread power outages . President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes as a deliberate signal of Russia’s priorities amid stalled peace talks, targeting energy infrastructure just before Christmas. Ukrainian defenses downed most projectiles, but impacts hit civilian areas and critical facilities in at least 13 regions .

Attack Details

The barrage involved around 635 drones and 38 missiles, marking one of the largest since early December and the third biggest of the war. Fatalities included a woman in Kyiv region, one in Khmelnytskyi, and a 14-year-old girl in Zhytomyr, with power cuts leaving entire regions in the dark . Zelenskyy noted the timing as intentional, coinciding with U.S.-sponsored diplomacy efforts.

Recent Escalation Pattern

This follows a string of intense Russian strikes, including 430 drones and 18 missiles on Kyiv in November killing six, and a November assault on Ternopil that killed 26 with 476 drones nationwide. Earlier December attacks hit Odesa ports, killing eight, while Ukraine retaliated against Russian oil refineries. Energy grids remain prime targets, prompting emergency restrictions amid winter cold.

International Response

Zelenskyy urged stronger pressure on Russia, as G7 ministers reaffirmed support post a prior massive strike. Canada imposed new sanctions on Russian drones and energy sectors. Poland scrambled jets after debris from intercepts fell on its territory during similar barrages.