On Christmas, Russia carried out hundreds of air strikes on Ukraine, a major attack on energy infrastructure.

Russia launched massive missile and drone attacks against Ukraine on the occasion of Christmas. The Russian military fired more than 70 missiles and more than 100 drones at Ukraine’s electricity system on Wednesday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the attacks “inhumane and well-planned.”

Russia’s attack and Ukraine’s response

• Ukrainian defense systems destroyed 59 missiles and 54 drones in the air.
• President Zelensky said:
  

  “Putin deliberately chose Christmas Day. “Nothing can be more inhuman than this.”

• Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Cybiha alleged that Russian missiles passed through Moldovan and Romanian airspace.

attack on energy infrastructure

Russia primarily targeted Ukraine’s energy system.

• Ukraine’s Energy Minister Herman Halushenko said:
  

  “Russia launches massive attack on energy infrastructure.”

  • Measures have been taken to minimize consumption to reduce damage to the power distribution system.
  • As soon as safety conditions permit, electrical personnel will assess the damage.
• Russia launched the 13th attack on the Ukrainian electricity grid this year, according to DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private power company.

DTEK chief’s statement

Company CEO Maxim Timchenko said:

“Depriving millions of people celebrating Christmas in the harsh winter is a diabolical and misguided act. A strong response should be given to this.”

Major attacks on Kharkiv

Ukraine’s major city Kharkiv became the target of one of Russia’s biggest attacks.

• Damage:
  • At least seven missile attacks on the city.
  • Incidents of fire at various places.
  • At least three people were injured.
• Statement from local administration:
  • Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said:
    

    “The city is vulnerable to massive missile attacks. Explosions continue, and ballistic missiles are still flying. Stay in safe places.”

Highlights of the attacks

1. Scale of attack:
   • Russia used ballistic missiles and hundreds of drones.
   • Ukrainian energy infrastructure was primarily targeted.
2. Damage:
   • There was great destruction and many fires in Kharkiv.
   • 13th attack of the year on Ukraine’s electrical grid.
3. Ukrainian efforts:
   • 59 missiles and 54 drones were destroyed in the air.
   • Efforts are underway to restore the energy system as soon as possible.