Zelensky slams ‘Inhumane’ Christmas Day attack

On Christmas Day, Russia launched a major attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned as a “conscious choice.” The attack, which involved 184 missiles and drones, led to widespread power cuts across Ukraine, including in Kyiv.

The Ukrainian air force shot down many missiles, but there were still casualties. Russia’s defense ministry confirmed the attack, claiming all targets were hit. This marked the 13th attack on Ukraine’s energy sector this year.

Ukrainian residents, especially in Kyiv, sheltered in metro stations as air raid alarms sounded. In Kharkiv, half a million people were left without water, electricity, or heating. Zelensky called the attacks “inhumane,” emphasizing that they would not break Ukraine’s spirit.

The US condemned the attack, with President Joe Biden asserting that Russia aimed to cut off Ukraine’s access to heat and electricity.

Zelensky also noted that this attack came on the second Christmas Day celebration for Ukraine, which recently adopted December 25 as its official Christmas date.

Despite the chaos, many Ukrainians were determined to celebrate with family and friends once it was safe. Ukrainian authorities warned that power cuts could persist through the day as they worked to restore services.

The attack also triggered international condemnation. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called it “Christmas terror,” and Moldova and Romania reported a missile breach in their airspace.

Romania did not confirm a missile in its airspace, but Moldova’s president condemned the strike. Additionally, Ukrainian shelling in Russia’s Kursk region killed four and injured five.

Ukraine’s resilience remains strong despite the ongoing threats.