Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia’s “inhumane” Christmas Day attack, which saw over 170 missiles and drones targeting the country’s power infrastructure. The assault left one person dead, caused widespread blackouts, and dealt further damage to Ukraine’s already strained energy grid.
The attack, described by Zelensky as a deliberate and callous act, began at 5:30 am (0330 GMT) with air raid sirens sounding across the nation. Shortly after, Ukrainian forces reported that Russia had launched Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea.
“Putin deliberately chose Christmas to attack. What could be more inhumane?” Zelensky said in a televised address. “Over 70 missiles, including ballistic ones, and more than 100 attack drones were launched at our energy system.”
This marked the 13th large-scale assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure this year, as part of Russia’s campaign to weaken the country during the harsh winter months. According to Ukraine’s air force, over 50 missiles were intercepted and destroyed.
Despite these efforts, some missiles hit their targets, leaving multiple regions in darkness. DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, reported significant damage to thermal power plants.
“Denying light and warmth to millions of peace-loving people as they celebrate Christmas is a depraved and evil act that must be answered,” said DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko, urging Ukraine’s allies to supply more air defense systems.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga labeled the assault “Christmas terror,” noting that one missile even crossed Moldovan and Romanian airspace. Regional officials reported power outages and extensive efforts to restore electricity.
“Christmas morning has once again shown that nothing is sacred for the aggressor country,” said Svitlana Onyshchuk, the head of the Ivano-Frankivsk region. “At a time when we celebrate one of the greatest religious holidays, the bright Christmas, part of our region remains in darkness.”
Ukraine officially shifted its Christmas celebration to December 25 last year, breaking from the January 7 observance common among Orthodox Christians, in a symbolic snub to Russia.
The attacks primarily targeted central and eastern Ukraine. In Dnipropetrovsk, Governor Sergiy Lysak reported that Russia aimed to destroy the region’s power grid. One person was killed, and several were injured. Meanwhile, in Kharkiv, missiles struck boiler houses and power facilities, leaving parts of the city without heat.
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Despite ongoing challenges, on his x handle formerly twitter Zelensky expressed confidence in his nation’s resilience. “I am grateful to everyone working for our country, who is on combat duty, and who is protecting our sky. Russian evil will not break Ukraine or ruin Christmas,” he declared.
The Ukrainian president also reiterated his call for international support, emphasizing the urgent need for advanced air defense systems and ground support to repel Russian forces.
As the war continues, both sides are vying for strategic advantage. Russian forces are intensifying efforts to recapture territory in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, where Ukraine faces pressure due to Russia’s better-equipped troops.
For Ukraine, the stakes remain high as it seeks to withstand Moscow’s aggression and maintain international backing amid the brutal winter offensive.
