KYIV, Dec 23: Russia carried out a massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine on Tuesday, firing over 650 drones and three dozen missiles from night into daylight.
At least three people were killed, including a 4-year-old child, and widespread damage was reported to homes, energy infrastructure, ports, and industrial sites across 13 regions, leaving many without power during freezing temperatures.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes as a deliberate escalation, timed amid peace negotiations and just before Christmas, reflecting Russian disregard for diplomacy.
Civilian deaths occurred in Zhytomyr, Kyiv, and Khmelnytskyi, while energy systems were damaged in Rivne, Ternopil, Lviv, and Sumy.
In Odesa, ports and transport were hit. The attack underscores Russia’s ongoing commitment to its invasion despite peace talks.
Zelenskyy calls US-led peace talks ‘quite solid
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy said US-drafted peace proposals meet nearly 90% of Kyiv’s demands, though compromises remain. The plan includes EU membership, security guarantees from Europe and the US, and military limits.
Meanwhile, Ukraine launched strikes deep inside Russia, hitting oil terminals, drones, and ships, while Russia continued attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid, aiming to disrupt civilians during winter. (AP)
