President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared that a massive overnight Russian bombardment, which killed three civilians including a young child, sends a stark message about Moscow's intentions during peace talks.
Scale of the Overnight Assault
In one of the largest coordinated attacks in recent months, Russian forces launched over 650 drones and 30 missiles across Ukraine. The assault, which took place overnight into Tuesday 23 December 2025, targeted at least 13 different regions of the country.
The primary focus of the strikes was Ukraine's energy infrastructure, with facilities in western regions coming under particularly heavy fire. This strategy aims to cripple the nation's power grid during the harsh winter months.
Civilian Casualties and Regional Fallout
The human cost of the attack was immediately clear. Ukrainian authorities confirmed that at least three people were killed. The victims included a four-year-old boy and a 76-year-old woman. Three other individuals were reported injured in the barrage.
The scale of the attack caused ripples beyond Ukraine's borders. Poland scrambled military aircraft as a preventive measure to protect its own airspace from any potential stray drones or missiles during the extensive Russian operation.
Zelensky's Response and Call to the West
In a public address following the attacks, President Zelensky stated the assault was a deliberate signal from the Kremlin. He argued it demonstrated Russia's priorities even as diplomatic discussions continue.
"This strike sends a clear signal," Zelensky said, directly linking the violence to the ongoing peace negotiations. He used the occasion to urgently appeal to Ukraine's Western allies, urging them to increase political and military pressure on Moscow.
The Ukrainian leader also reiterated a previously stated position, noting that a reliable ceasefire would be necessary before any potential national elections could be safely held in Ukraine.
