Russia unleashed one of its largest aerial assaults of the war on Ukraine just days before Christmas, firing more than 650 drones and several dozen missiles in a coordinated attack that began overnight and continued into daylight hours Tuesday, according to Ukrainian officials.

The barrage struck civilian homes and critical infrastructure across 13 regions, leaving widespread power outages as temperatures dropped to dangerous levels. At least three people were killed in the attacks, including a 4-year-old child, underscoring the human cost of the continued assault on Ukrainian cities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the strikes deliberately targeted the nation’s energy grid, worsening conditions for civilians already facing harsh winter weather. Emergency crews worked throughout the day to restore electricity and assist residents as damage assessments continued.

The timing of the attack came just one day after Zelenskyy described recent progress toward a potential peace framework as “quite solid,” raising questions about Moscow’s intentions. In a statement posted on Telegram, the Ukrainian president said the bombardment demonstrated Russian President Vladimir Putin’s determination to continue the invasion rather than pursue a meaningful ceasefire.

The scale and duration of the assault reflected a sustained campaign aimed at wearing down Ukraine’s defenses and morale, particularly during the holiday season. Officials noted that the combination of drones and missiles was designed to overwhelm air defense systems and maximize disruption.

As Ukraine braces for further attacks, the latest strike reinforces the reality that the conflict remains far from resolution. With civilians bearing the brunt of the violence and critical infrastructure under continued threat, the war’s impact is being felt far beyond the battlefield.