Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia’s significant assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Christmas Day, labeling it a “conscious choice” by Moscow.
Ukraine’s air force tracked 184 missiles and drones during the attacks, with many intercepted or failing to reach their intended targets. The extent of casualties has not been disclosed.
Moscow confirmed the operation and asserted that its objectives were met.
The assault resulted in widespread power outages nationwide, severely affecting the capital, Kyiv, where numerous residents sought refuge in metro stations.
Russia’s defense ministry confirmed a “massive strike” targeting vital energy facilities in Ukraine, announcing success in hitting all designated targets.
This marks the thirteenth significant attack on Ukraine’s energy sector in a year, as reported by the country’s leading energy provider. Back in September, President Zelensky noted that 80% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure had sustained damage from Russian attacks.
In the wake of the Christmas attacks, Zelensky characterized the timing as a deliberate act of cruelty and emphasized efforts to restore power promptly. “Russian aggression will not weaken Ukraine nor disrupt Christmas,” he stated.
This year marks Ukraine’s second celebration of Christmas on December 25, a shift from its traditional observance of the Julian calendar, which aligns with Russia’s January 7 date.
In northeastern Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, the assault left roughly half a million residents without water, electricity, or heating amid frigid temperatures, according to the regional governor.
All over Ukraine, citizens were awakened by air raid sirens and advised to seek shelter as the strikes unfolded around morning.
Many in Kyiv took refuge in metro stations, with one local expressing feelings of anger and fear. “I want to be at home and celebrate, but it’s too scary,” she said.
Another Kyiv resident asserted, “Despite everything, Christmas is not cancelled,” expressing hope to celebrate with family once it is safe to exit the shelter.
Ukraine’s state-owned power company warned that power disruptions could persist into the evening and has enacted usage restrictions while restoration efforts are underway.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the strikes as “Christmas terror,” highlighting regional security concerns as a missile traversed Moldovan and Romanian airspace, underscoring the broader threat posed by Russia.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu denounced the missile launch and confirmed detection in her nation’s airspace, while Romania reported no missiles in its territory.
In related incidents, reports indicate that four individuals lost their lives, and five others sustained injuries from Ukrainian shelling in the Kursk region of Russia.
