A large-scale Russian air assault on Ukraine has killed at least three civilians and knocked out power across multiple regions, deepening hardship as the war nears its fourth winter. Authorities report extensive energy infrastructure damage amid rising international tensions
Russian Air Attack on Ukraine Kills Three, Triggers Widespread Power Outages
On December 23, 2025, Ukraine faced one of the most severe Russian aerial assaults in recent months as waves of missiles and drones targeted major cities and critical energy infrastructure across the country. The large-scale attack left at least three civilians dead, including a four-year-old child, and caused widespread power outages just days before Christmas.
Ukrainian officials said Russia launched more than 650 drones and around 38 missiles in a coordinated overnight operation. The strikes hit residential neighborhoods, power stations, and industrial facilities in at least 13 regions, including Kyiv, Rivne, Ternopil, Lviv, and Zhytomyr.
The attack dealt a serious blow to Ukraine’s already strained energy infrastructure. Authorities were forced to impose emergency blackouts as temperatures dropped close to freezing in several areas. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed that multiple thermal power plants and electricity distribution facilities were badly damaged, leaving hundreds of thousands of residents without power.
Officials reported that a four-year-old child was killed in the Zhytomyr region, while two other civilians lost their lives in separate strikes, including one near the capital Kyiv. Several people were injured across different regions, with emergency services responding to fires, collapsed structures, and damaged homes.
Ukraine’s Air Force stated that air defense systems successfully intercepted most incoming drones and missiles, but some projectiles managed to penetrate defenses and strike critical infrastructure. Emergency crews worked throughout the night to contain fires and rescue civilians from affected areas.
The massive assault came just days after renewed U.S.-led peace negotiations in Miami, aimed at ending nearly four years of war. Ukrainian officials described the talks as constructive but accused Moscow of continuing military aggression instead of engaging meaningfully in diplomatic efforts.
Following the strikes, Poland and other NATO allies scrambled fighter jets after attacks occurred close to western Ukrainian borders, raising concerns over possible regional escalation. Ukrainian authorities strongly condemned the assault, calling it a deliberate attempt to weaken civilian morale during the winter holiday season.
Meanwhile, energy companies and repair teams have begun damage assessments, but officials warned that restoring full electricity services will take time due to ongoing security risks and the scale of destruction. Millions of Ukrainians continue to face power cuts, disrupted services, and harsh winter conditions as the conflict shows no sign of easing
