“Russia launched a Christmas Day assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and several cities using cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones, described as “inhuman” by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
The attacks injured at least six people in the northeastern city of Kharkiv and resulted in one death in the Dnipropetrovsk region, according to local officials.
In the Kharkiv region, half a million people were left without heating amid temperatures slightly above freezing, while power outages affected Kyiv and other areas.
President Zelenskiy stated, “Today, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin deliberately chose Christmas to attack. What could be more inhuman? More than 70 missiles, including ballistic missiles, and over a hundred attack drones were used.”
The Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged carrying out a “massive strike” targeting key energy facilities it claims support Ukraine’s military-industrial complex, stating that the strike successfully hit all intended targets.
Ukrainian forces reported shooting down 59 Russian missiles and 54 drones overnight and into Wednesday morning, as Ukraine celebrated its second Christmas following a new calendar, distancing itself from Russian traditions.
The independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine, established in 2018, adopted the revised calendar in 2023, shifting away from the Julian calendar that aligns with Russian Christmas on January 7.
Since spring, Russia has escalated its attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector, significantly damaging its capacity and causing extended power outages.
In a statement, the Ukrainian air force reported that Kharkiv suffered ballistic missile strikes. Regional governor Oleh Syniehubov noted damage to civilian structures, although specifics were not provided.
Dnipropetrovsk’s governor, Serhiy Lysak, reported a casualty from strikes targeting regional energy facilities, highlighting a concerted effort by Russian forces to dismantle the area’s power system.
Ukraine’s Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, announced on Facebook that Russia’s ongoing assaults were heavily focused on the power sector, necessitating electricity restrictions.
DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy provider, reported serious damage to its facilities in what it described as the 13th significant attack on the energy sector this year.
“We appeal to every ally of Ukraine to end this state-sponsored terrorism now by giving our armed forces the air defense ammunition they need to protect essential energy infrastructure,” DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko said in a statement.
“Russia’s Christmas gift to Ukraine: more than 70 missiles and 100 drones, directed at Ukrainian families celebrating in their homes and at the energy infrastructure that keeps them warm,” said U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink. “For the third holiday season, Russia weaponizes winter.”
