Kyiv Under Attack on Christmas Day
KYIV, Dec 25 (Pakish) - Russia launched attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and several cities with cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones on Wednesday, which President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described as an "inhuman" assault on Christmas Day. Nearly three years into the ongoing conflict, the strikes resulted in injuries to at least six individuals in the northeastern city of Kharkiv and one fatality in the Dnipropetrovsk region, according to local governors. In the Kharkiv region, approximately half a million residents were left without heating in frigid temperatures just above freezing, while blackouts were reported in the capital, Kyiv, and other areas. "Today, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin deliberately chose Christmas to launch an attack. What could be more inhuman? More than 70 missiles, including ballistic ones, and over a hundred attack drones," Zelenskiy stated. Russia's Defence Ministry confirmed a "massive strike" targeting what it claimed were critical energy facilities supporting Kyiv's "military-industrial complex." "The objective of the strike was met. All targeted facilities have been hit," the ministry declared in a statement. According to Ukraine's military, air defenses successfully intercepted 59 Russian missiles and 54 drones overnight and into Wednesday morning. This marks the second Christmas celebration for Ukrainians under a new calendar, a move aimed at diminishing Russian influence. Most Ukrainians are Orthodox Christians, and the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine, established in 2018, decided in 2023 to adopt the Gregorian calendar, moving Christmas to December 25 instead of January 7, as traditionally observed in Russia. Since spring, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine's energy sector, damaging nearly half of its generating capacity and leading to extended blackouts.
Attacks on the Energy Sector
Ukraine's air force reported that Kharkiv was targeted by ballistic missiles. Regional governor Oleh Syniehubov indicated via Telegram that civilian infrastructure was damaged, although he did not provide specific details. In Dnipropetrovsk, Governor Serhiy Lysak reported that the fatality was linked to an attack on regional power facilities. He noted that the Russian army had been heavily targeting the Dnipro region, aiming to dismantle its power system. Ukraine's Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, stated on Facebook that Russia was conducting extensive attacks on the power sector, leading to electricity supply restrictions. DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy company, reported that its generating facilities were struck, resulting in significant damage to power equipment during the 13th large-scale assault on the energy sector this year. "We urge every ally of Ukraine to put an end to this state-sponsored terrorism by providing our armed forces with the air defense munitions necessary to protect vital energy infrastructure," DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko said in a statement. U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink remarked, "Russia’s Christmas gift to Ukraine: over 70 missiles and 100 drones aimed at Ukrainian families celebrating in their homes and the energy infrastructure that keeps them warm. For the third holiday season, Russia weaponizes winter."
