Massive Russian Drone Barrage Hits Ukraine on Christmas

A large-scale Russian drone attack struck Ukraine on Christmas night, killing at least one civilian and wounding two others in the southern port city of Odesa. Ukrainian air force officials reported that Russia launched 131 explosive drones. Air defenses shot down 109 of them. The 22 that got through hit targets across the country. Several drones struck infrastructure in Odesa. Regional officials confirmed the civilian casualties and damage. They did not specify the type of infrastructure hit. The attack occurred on December 25. Many Orthodox Christians, including in Ukraine, celebrate Christmas on January 7. The timing made the strikes particularly symbolic. Ukraine continues to appeal for more advanced Western air defense systems to protect its cities from such aerial assaults.