Large-scale attack on Ukraine: General reveals what Russia seeks to achieve

On the night of December 23, Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine, deploying more than 600 drones. The aggressor state has stepped up its strikes, periodically assembling strike formations and carrying out mass attacks roughly once a week.

Army General Mykola Malomuzh, former head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, said this during a broadcast on 24 Kanal.

According to the general, the goal of these attacks is to spread panic, trigger blackouts, and leave civilians without heating during the winter.

“Different operational models are being used. I want to stress that the number of "Shahed" drones has already exceeded 600, and the Russians intend to launch up to 1,000 per day,” Malomuzh emphasized.

He explained that the enemy is combining strike directions and altering drone flight paths to make interception more difficult.

“They have a new pattern: first eastern directions, then central regions, followed by western areas, with constant route changes,” the general said.

The use of kamikaze drones is carried out simultaneously with missile strikes. Overnight, Russia launched Tu-95 and Tu-160 strategic bombers armed with cruise missiles and also fired Kalibr missiles from the Black Sea.

“We are seeing coordinated actions by a terrorist across our entire territory. The west was hit particularly hard, as it has extensive infrastructure, major energy facilities and key logistics routes,” he said.

The general explains that large-scale launches place heavy strain on air defense systems, especially under difficult weather conditions such as fog.

“Shooting down every aerial target is difficult, but Ukraine has adapted. We are able to detect and destroy 80–90% of enemy targets,” Malomuzh said.

He added that Ukrainian intelligence is tracking Russia’s preparations for attacks, while Ukraine is trying to act preemptively by striking areas where drone launches are likely to be prepared.