A residential house is seen damaged from the Russian strikes.
Russia launched a massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine, killing at least three civilians and crippling power supplies.
The overnight assault began late at night and continued into daylight hours on Tuesday.
Among the victims was a four-year-old child, killed just two days before Christmas.
The Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine struck homes and key energy infrastructure across multiple regions.
Ukraine faced freezing temperatures as millions were left without electricity.
Russia Launches One of the Biggest Air Assaults of the Year
Ukrainian officials said Russia fired more than 650 drones and dozens of missiles during the attack.
The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed the launch of 635 drones and 38 missiles.
Air defense units intercepted 587 drones and 34 missiles before impact.
Despite these interceptions, several missiles and drones hit critical targets.
The Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine affected at least 13 regions nationwide.
Civilian Deaths Reported Across Regions
Emergency services reported three civilian deaths following the strikes.
A four-year-old child was killed in the northwestern Zhytomyr region.
A woman died after a drone strike in the Kyiv region.
Another civilian was killed in the western Khmelnytskyi region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the deaths in a public statement.
He described the attack as a deliberate strike against civilians.
Power Grid Targeted Amid Winter Cold
The Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine heavily targeted the power grid.
Widespread blackouts followed in western and northern regions.
Emergency power outages were imposed across the country.
Acting Energy Minister Artem Nekraso said this was the ninth large-scale attack on Ukraine’s energy system this year.
Restoration work will begin once security conditions allow, he added.
Zelenskyy Condemns Timing and Intent
President Zelenskyy said the assault revealed Moscow’s true priorities.
He called the attack a clear signal that Russia intends to continue the war.
The strikes came just before Christmas, when families seek safety at home.
Zelenskyy also noted the timing coincided with ongoing peace negotiations.
He accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of undermining diplomatic efforts.
European and Ukrainian leaders have repeatedly questioned Russia’s sincerity in talks.
Peace Talks Face Growing Strain
U.S. President Donald Trump has pushed for a peace agreement for months.
However, negotiations remain stalled due to conflicting demands from Kyiv and Moscow.
Ukrainian officials say continued attacks weaken trust in the peace process.
The Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine added further tension to talks.
It followed Zelenskyy’s recent remarks describing peace progress as “quite solid.”
Energy Firms Suffer Repeated Damage
Ukraine’s largest private energy supplier, DTEK, said thermal power plants were hit again.
This marked the seventh major strike on DTEK facilities since October.
Since February 2022, its plants have been struck more than 220 times.
Those attacks have killed four workers and injured 59 employees.
DTEK warned that repeated strikes threaten long-term energy stability.
Infrastructure Damage Spreads Nationwide
Authorities in Rivne, Ternopil, Lviv, and Sumy regions reported power outages.
Energy infrastructure suffered damage across western and northern Ukraine.
In southern Odesa, the attack hit ports, transport hubs, and residential areas.
Regional head Oleh Kiper said over 120 homes were damaged.
A merchant ship was also struck during the assault.
Ongoing Threat as Winter Deepens
The Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine highlights ongoing risks to civilians.
With winter temperatures intensifying, power disruptions pose serious humanitarian concerns.
Ukrainian officials continue urging international partners for stronger air defense support.
