Ukraine faced a major escalation in the ongoing conflict with Russia as a massive missile and drone attack targeted its energy infrastructure on December 25th, 2024.
This assault, described by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as "inhumane," occurred on Christmas Day, a time traditionally associated with peace and celebration. The attack was part of a broader strategy by Russia to cripple Ukraine's energy capabilities, marking the 13th major strike on the country's power grid this year.
The barrage included 78 air, ground, and sea-launched missiles, along with 106 Shaheds and other types of drones. Ukraine's air force reported intercepting 59 missiles and 54 drones, while jamming an additional 52 drones.
Despite these defensive efforts, the attack caused widespread damage, leading to power outages across several regions, including Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Poltava. In Kyiv, the capital, residents were forced to seek shelter in metro stations as the strikes unfolded.
President Zelenskyy condemned the timing of the attack, stating on social media platform X, "Putin deliberately chose Christmas for an attack. What could be more inhumane?" He emphasized that the Russian aggression aimed to create a blackout in Ukraine, denying light and warmth to millions during the festive season.
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, labeled the strikes as "Christmas terror," highlighting the broader threat posed by Russia not only to Ukraine but also to neighboring countries, as evidenced by a missile passing through Moldovan and Romanian airspace.
The impact of the attack was severe, with at least one person killed in Ukraine's Dnipro region and heating disrupted for 155 residential buildings. In Kharkiv, the regional head Oleh Syniehubov reported fires sparked by at least seven strikes, leaving half a million people without water, electricity, or heating in freezing temperatures.
The CEO of Ukraine's largest private energy company, DTEK, Maxim Timchenko, described the act as "depraved and evil," calling for a response to such aggression.
In Russia, the fallout from the conflict was also felt. A woman died, and three others were injured when debris from a downed drone ignited a fire in a shopping mall in Vladikavkaz. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed success in their operation, asserting that all targets were hit, while also reporting the downing of 59 Ukrainian drones over various regions, including Belgorod and Kursk.
The attack signified the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine in maintaining its energy infrastructure amidst relentless Russian aggression. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko noted that preemptive power outages were applied across the country to manage the crisis, with state energy operator Ukrenergo working to assess and repair the damage as soon as security conditions allowed.
Despite the adversity, Ukrainians like Sofiia Lytvynenko and Oleksandra in Kyiv expressed resilience, determined to celebrate Christmas with traditional food and drink once it was safe to leave shelters. President Zelenskyy vowed that "Russian evil will not break Ukraine and will not distort Christmas," reinforcing the nation's resolve to withstand and overcome the challenges posed by the conflict.
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