Devastating Drone Strikes: Russia's Christmas Attack Claims Three Lives in Ukraine

Fri Dec 26 2025 04:56:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A severe attack involving drones and missiles from Russia has left at least three people dead, including a young child, as tensions rise during the Christmas season in Ukraine. President Zelensky denounces the strikes as a blatant disregard for humanitarian concerns.

In a massive assault overnight, Russia targeted several Ukrainian cities with over 600 drones and 30 missiles, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including a four-year-old. This attack comes amidst ongoing peace discussions and is seen as a message from Russia regarding its military priorities, as President Zelensky emphasizes the need for increased pressure on Russia to cease hostilities.

Russia launched a 'massive' attack on several Ukrainian cities overnight on Monday, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported, following warnings of potential strikes during the Christmas period.

The assault claimed at least three lives, including that of a four-year-old child, according to Ukrainian officials, and notably targeted energy infrastructure, leaving multiple regions without power.

Reports indicate that more than 600 drones and 30 missiles were used in the strikes, with Zelensky condemning the violence. He stated, 'people simply want to be with their families, at home, and safe' during this festive time, which was disrupted by Russia's actions.

Zelensky also remarked that this demonstrates a clear indication of Russia's priorities even amid ongoing peace negotiations, asserting, 'Putin still cannot accept that he must stop killing.' He called for the international community to apply more pressure on Russia.

In related incidents, a four-year-old girl tragically died in the Zhytomyr region, where local officials confirmed the severity of the attack. Additionally, a 76-year-old woman was killed, and several others injured in separate strikes throughout Kyiv and its region.

Poland's military scrambled fighter jets to respond to the incoming threats targeting western Ukraine, while the Russian defense ministry claimed to have focused on energy facilities and transport infrastructure.

Amid escalating hostilities, Ukraine reportedly conducted a retaliatory strike on a petrochemical plant in Stravropol, southern Russia. Videos circulated online showed flames engulfing the facility, although the region's governor reported no casualties.

As Ukraine braces for colder temperatures, energy officials warned of necessary emergency power shutdowns in all regions, with predictions of power outages lasting for days in certain areas.

These developments punctuate a recent period of relative calm in Kyiv but come following the killing of a senior Russian general, which some believe may have been linked to increasing tensions.

Zelensky has indicated that the United States has proposed a Christmas truce, which Russia has rejected, further complicating the potential for peace.