Russia has carried out a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Christmas Day, targeting critical facilities across multiple regions. The strikes, which come amid bitterly cold winter conditions, mark the 13th major assault on Ukraine’s energy sector this year.
Russia Confirms Objectives Achieved
The Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed the attack, stating it used long-range precision weapons and strike drones to target energy infrastructure that supports Ukraine’s military-industrial complex. A ministry statement asserted, “The strike’s goal was achieved. All facilities were hit.”
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the timing of the strikes, accusing Moscow of deliberately choosing Christmas to inflict further harm. “Today, Putin deliberately chose Christmas for an attack. What could be more inhumane?” he said, highlighting that more than 70 missiles and over 100 drones were launched during the assault.
Severe Damage Across Ukraine
The attacks have left large swathes of the country grappling with outages. In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, local authorities reported that 520,000 residents were without heating and water, while 500,000 were left without electricity. Mayor Ihor Terekhov described a “massive missile attack” that struck power plants and boiler houses, leaving the city struggling to restore basic services.
Dnipro also faced significant challenges, with energy facilities targeted and residential buildings damaged. Mayor Borys Filatov noted coordinated efforts among local authorities, military administrators, and utility workers to repair damage and maintain services.
Elsewhere, the Cherkasy and Ivano-Frankivsk regions reported drone attacks and missile strikes, further straining the energy grid.
Civilian Casualties and Displacement
The strikes have caused injuries and fatalities, with a 53-year-old woman reported dead in Kharkiv following mortar fire. Ukrainian officials confirmed that at least six people were injured in the city during the attacks, with others suffering injuries in surrounding regions.
In Kyiv, residents spent Christmas morning in shelters as air raid alerts rang out. Metro stations in the capital served as makeshift refuges for families. “Of course, I want to be at home and celebrate, but we had to shelter because it’s scary to stay at home,” said Nataliia Ziumchenko, a mother from Kyiv.
International Fallout
Ukraine claims that a Russian missile violated Moldovan and Romanian airspace during the attack. While Romania—a NATO member—denied detecting a missile, Moldova’s President Maia Sandu confirmed the breach, describing it as a violation of international law. “While our countries celebrate Christmas, the Kremlin chooses destruction,” she said.
The incident highlights the broader implications of the war for neighbouring states. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the strikes as “Christmas terror,” adding that they serve as a reminder that Russia’s aggression threatens not only Ukraine but also the wider region.
Energy Sector Under Strain
Ukraine’s energy system has borne the brunt of repeated Russian strikes. More than 80% of the nation’s energy infrastructure has reportedly been damaged since the conflict escalated in February 2022. Efforts to restore power are ongoing, with emergency crews working under immense pressure to repair facilities amid continued attacks.
The state-owned power company Ukrenergo warned of power cuts across the country, urging citizens to conserve electricity. DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, confirmed severe damage to its thermal power plants, describing the situation as “extremely difficult.”
Innovative solutions are being explored, including plans to construct underground hydroelectric power plants to shield critical infrastructure from future attacks. However, these projects require significant time and resources to implement.
Calls for Increased Defence Support
President Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s urgent need for additional air defence systems, particularly the US-manufactured Patriot systems, to safeguard its cities and energy grid. While Western nations have pledged support, the number of systems promised falls short of Ukraine’s estimated needs.
A Resilient Nation
Despite the devastation, Ukrainians continue to display resilience. “Christmas is not cancelled,” said one Kyiv resident. “We will celebrate, even under these circumstances.” President Zelensky also expressed gratitude to the energy workers, emergency responders, and military personnel striving to restore normalcy.
As Ukraine confronts yet another challenge in a prolonged and devastating conflict, the nation remains steadfast in its resolve to overcome adversity.
Image source: platform X
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