Russia launches one of the largest attacks on Ukrainian cities during the holiday season
On Friday, December 29, 2023, Russia carried out one of the largest assaults on Ukrainian cities since the start of its full-scale invasion. Deliberately timed during the holiday season, the attack targeted civilians and vital infrastructure across the country.
Using nearly every weapon in its arsenal—”Kindzhals,” S-300s, X-101/X-505 cruise missiles, and Shahed drones—Russia launched a total of 122 missiles and 36 drones. Thanks to Ukraine’s air defense, the majority were intercepted, but nearly 120 cities and villages were targeted. The attack claimed the lives of 40 civilians, injured over 160, and destroyed numerous civilian structures.
Critical institutions were deliberately targeted, including a maternity hospital, schools, residential buildings, kindergartens, a metro station, and shopping centers.
The massive strikes hit Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, Odessa, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, and other regions. Kyiv endured nearly five consecutive hours of bombardment, leaving at least 17 people dead. Search and rescue operations continue around the clock in the rubble of the capital.
This brutal assault is a stark reminder of Russia’s objective: the destruction of Ukraine, not peace. Beyond the physical toll, the psychological and moral impact of such acts of terrorism against civilians is profound.
The only path to end Russian terror is to provide Ukraine with all necessary military and financial resources for its legitimate defense. These heinous acts must be firmly condemned, and active support for Ukraine’s protection and territorial integrity is imperative.
