Russia launched over 600 drones overnight: new tactic of mass attacks.

According to ТСН: On the night of December 23, Russia carried out a large-scale attack on Ukraine, using over 600 drones. The aggressor country continuously increases the number of strikes, forming strike groups and conducting mass attacks approximately once a week.

Objectives of the attacks

Army General and former head of the Foreign Intelligence Service Mykola Malomuzh noted in an interview on '24 Channel' that the main goal of these attacks is to create panic among Ukrainians, provoke blackouts, and leave people without heating during winter.

'Different models of action are being used. I would like to point out that the number of 'Shaheds' has already exceeded 600, and the Russians intend to launch up to a thousand a day,' Malomuzh emphasized.

Attack strategy

The general explained that the enemy combines strike directions and changes the flight trajectories of drones to complicate their interception. He also noted that recently, Russia has been using a new style of attacks: first on the eastern directions, then on central areas, and next — western, changing flight routes.

The expert mentioned that the use of kamikaze drones occurs simultaneously with rocket launches. During this night, strategic bombers Tu-95 and Tu-160 were raised, which carried cruise missiles, and 'Calibers' were launched from the Black Sea.

'We see complex actions of the terrorist across our entire territory. The west has been particularly affected, where there is extensive infrastructure, large energy facilities, and logistics routes,' he explained.

Capabilities of Ukrainian air defense

The general pointed out that mass launches create a significant load on the air defense system, especially during challenging weather conditions.

'Shooting down all aerial targets is difficult, but Ukraine has adapted. It is possible to detect and destroy enemy targets 80-90% of the time,' Malomuzh concluded.

He also added that Ukrainian intelligence is monitoring Russia's preparation for attacks, and Ukraine is trying to act preemptively, striking areas from where drone launches may occur.

Enemy's change of tactics

Former Air Force officer Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi noted that during the mass attack on December 23, 2025, the main strike fell on the western regions of Ukraine, indicating a change in the enemy's tactics. Russia is trying to stretch the capabilities of Ukrainian air defense, seeking weak spots, particularly in the Chernobyl zone and Cherkasy region, using improved 'Shahed' type drones.

The expert emphasized that such actions have a terrorist nature since primarily the civilian population and critical infrastructure suffer.

These events indicate that Russia is actively adapting its tactics regarding attacks on Ukraine, focusing strike operations on western regions where the infrastructure is more vulnerable. In the face of constant threats, Ukraine needs to support and modernize air defense systems to minimize losses and ensure the safety of civilians. Such strategic changes in enemy behavior may indicate its desire for escalating the conflict and further use of drones in the war.