Russian forces conducted extensive aerial strikes across multiple Ukrainian cities overnight on Monday, December 25th, resulting in fatalities and significant damage to energy infrastructure. Ukrainian officials reported at least three deaths, including a four-year-old child in the Zhytomyr region, a 76-year-old woman in the Kyiv region, and a 72-year-old individual in Khmelnytskyy, western Ukraine. Additionally, eight individuals sustained injuries across the Zhytomyr and Kyiv regions.
Infrastructure Impact
The attacks primarily targeted critical energy infrastructure, leading to power outages across several Ukrainian regions. Ukraine's energy operator issued warnings of emergency power shutdowns nationwide and urged the public to conserve energy, anticipating temperatures as low as -7°C. The acting energy minister identified this as the ninth substantial assault on Ukraine's energy grid this year, noting near-complete loss of supply in the Rivne, Ternopil, and Khmelnytsky regions.
Military Responses and Statements
According to Ukraine, Russian forces launched over 600 drones and 30 missiles during the operation. In response to missiles and drones targeting western Ukraine, Polish fighter jets were scrambled. The Russian Ministry of Defense, via state news agency Tass, stated that its forces targeted energy facilities and other transport infrastructure.
Ukrainian Counter-Attack
Separately, Ukraine reportedly targeted a petrochemical plant in Stavropol, southern Russia. The region's governor confirmed that a Ukrainian drone struck the plant, initiating a fire. No casualties were reported from this incident, and residential structures remained undamaged.
Broader Context
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously indicated a likelihood of large-scale attacks during the festive period. Recent Russian military efforts have also focused on the southern port city of Odesa. This follows a threat by Russian President Vladimir Putin to restrict Ukraine's access to the Black Sea, made in response to alleged Ukrainian drone attacks on tankers associated with Russia's 'shadow fleet'—vessels utilized for transporting goods under Western sanctions.