Russia launched a significant missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, resulting in one death and widespread outages on Christmas Day. Despite intercepting many missiles, the strikes left regions like Kharkiv without essential services amid freezing temperatures. Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned the assault, while British Prime Minister Starmer criticized Russia’s ongoing aggression. The attacks reflect a systematic targeting of Ukraine’s power grid since February 2022, further complicating the conflict as military tensions escalate.
Massive Missile Attack on Ukraine’s Energy System
In a startling display of aggression, Russia launched over 170 missiles and drones targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure early Wednesday morning. This brutal assault has been described as ‘inhumane’ and resulted in the tragic death of one individual, leaving countless homes without electricity or heating on Christmas Day.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, stating that it was a deliberate choice by Russian President Vladimir Putin to strike on such a significant day. Zelensky expressed his outrage on Telegram, highlighting the cruelty of the timing.
Impact of the Assault
Despite Ukrainian defenses successfully intercepting more than 50 missiles and numerous drones, some strikes led to power outages across various regions. The attacks affected six regions, resulting in at least one confirmed death and several injuries, all while temperatures hovered near freezing.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the actions of Russia, criticizing ‘Putin’s bloody and brutal war machine’ for continuing its assault on Ukraine, even during the holiday season. The tragic loss of a thermal power plant worker in Dnipro was confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Kouleba.
In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, the fallout from the attacks was severe, with half a million homes left without essential services like electricity, heating, and running water. The governor reported six injuries, and bomb disposal experts were dispatched to address a missile that had landed without detonating in a residential area.
The ongoing conflict has seen Russia systematically target Ukraine’s power grid since the invasion began in February 2022, plunging civilians into darkness and despair. In a retaliatory strike, four individuals were reported killed in Lgov, a city in the border region of Kursk, as tensions continue to escalate.
As a result of these continuous assaults, Ukraine’s primary energy supplier, DTEK, reported significant damage to its thermal power facilities, marking the thirteenth major attack on its energy system this year. The national energy company, Ukrenergo, has announced supply restrictions nationwide to manage the crisis.
On an international note, a Russian missile reportedly crossed through Moldovan and Romanian airspace, though Romania stated it had not detected any violations. Moldova confirmed a breach, noting that the missile flew at a low altitude to evade detection, as expressed by a presidential spokesperson.
This assault coincided with a pivotal moment in Ukrainian history, as the country celebrated Christmas on December 25 for the second time, aligning with Western traditions instead of the Julian calendar used by the Russian Orthodox Church. This change, instituted in the summer of 2023, signifies Ukraine’s ongoing effort to distance itself from Russian influence.
In the spirit of resilience, nearly 200 Ukrainians, adorned in traditional costumes, paraded through the streets of Kyiv, singing carols and showcasing their unwavering determination to defend their independence. Participants emphasized that their spirit would not be dampened by the ongoing conflict.
As military tensions rise, both Ukraine and Russia are ramping up their strikes, seeking to solidify their positions ahead of potential geopolitical shifts with the impending return of Donald Trump to the White House, who has indicated a desire to end the conflict swiftly.
In the eastern front, the Russian military has claimed advancements, including the capture of the village of Vidrodjennia, a crucial logistical point for Ukrainian forces, highlighting the ongoing volatility of the situation.