Russia's massive strike on December 23: Why Western Ukraine took the brunt

On December 23, 2025, Russia unleashed a massive strike against Ukraine.

Numerous regions were hit, with western territories suffering the most. This focus of the assault is no coincidence — it signals a shift in the enemy’s tactics.

This was explained by former Air Force officer and deputy director of an electronic warfare production company, Anatolii Khrapchynskyi, in comments to 24 Kanal.

According to the expert, the primary blow indeed fell on Western Ukraine, though the enemy simultaneously tried to pressure other regions.

“The enemy is attempting to stretch Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, diverting the attention of our forces,” Khrapchynskyi noted.

Where the enemy seeks for weak spots

The expert stressed that Ukraine faces a serious shortage — both in manpower and in systems to detect and destroy aerial targets.

“Most of the missiles and drones bypassed Kyiv region through the Chornobyl zone or via Cherkasy region. This shows the enemy is probing for corridors where they can slip through,” he explained.

According to Khrapchynskyi, Russia is aided by upgraded "Shahed"-type drones.

These drones are equipped with mesh communication, ensuring a stable signal without breaks, and cameras that allow them to maneuver more cautiously and avoid threats.

The former Air Force officer stressed that the consequences of such attacks are inevitably felt by civilians.

“Russia is acting more like terrorists than pursuing purely military objectives,” the expert emphasized.

At the same time, the enemy is trying to strike Ukraine’s defense industry and critical infrastructure facilities in an effort to break through its air defenses.