Ukraine's Air Force reports that Russia launched a combined strike on critical infrastructure during the night of 23 December, deploying 673 aerial attack assets between 6:00 pm on 22 December and the morning hours.
According to the Air Force statement, the attack wave included 635 strike drones of Shahed and Gerbera types launched from Kursk, Orel, Millerovo, Bryansk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia, and Chauda in Crimea. Approximately 400 of these were Shahed drones. Russia also fired three Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles from Ryazan region and 35 Kh-101 and Iskander-K cruise missiles from Vologda and Kursk oblasts.
Ukrainian forces engaged the attack using aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units, drone systems, and mobile fire groups. By 11:30 am, air defense had destroyed or suppressed 621 aerial targets: 587 drones and 34 cruise missiles.
The Air Force reports hits from missiles and 39 drones at 21 locations, with debris falling at eight locations. "Three aeroballistic missiles did not reach their targets," the statement notes, with impact sites still being verified.
RBC-Ukraine reports that emergency power outages were implemented across most regions as of 7:50 am.
In Kyiv, drone debris fell in Sviatoshynskyi district, injuring at least four people according to preliminary data. In Sumy Oblast, Russian drones destroyed a critical infrastructure facility in Shostka, leaving significant portions of the city without electricity and heating.
Rivne region sustained damage to a residential building, with blast waves shattering windows in apartments. A wooden utility structure was destroyed and three vehicles damaged.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had warned that Russia might conduct massive strikes during the Christmas period, despite Kremlin statements about the absence of a "Christmas truce."
The Air Force statement concludes: "The enemy continues the drone attack. Follow safety rules!"
