Ukraine Endures Christmas Day Attacks as Russia Targets Energy Infrastructure
Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainians marked Christmas Day under grim circumstances after Russia launched a large-scale attack on the nation’s energy infrastructure, leaving many without heat or power during the winter holiday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault as “inhuman,” accusing Russian forces of deliberately choosing Christmas for their offensive.
“Today, Putin deliberately chose Christmas for an attack. What could be more inhuman,” Zelenskyy stated in a post on social media platform X early Wednesday. “It is a conscious choice not only of targets but also of time and date.”
Over 70 missiles and more than 100 drones targeted critical infrastructure across Ukraine. Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted more than 50 missiles and a significant number of drones, Zelenskyy reported. Despite their efforts, the attack caused widespread power outages, particularly in Kyiv and other regions.
DTEK, Ukraine’s largest energy company, confirmed that the strikes caused “serious damage” to thermal power plant equipment. Emergency crews began repair efforts as soon as the shelling ceased, aiming to restore energy services as quickly as possible.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the strikes, describing them as a “massive attack with long-range precision weapons and strike drones” aimed at Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. In a statement posted on Telegram, the ministry claimed that “all facilities were hit,” framing the attack as targeting Ukraine’s military-industrial complex.
Zelenskyy accused Russia of trying to “fight for a blackout in Ukraine” but vowed that the assault would not break the country’s spirit or distort its celebration of Christmas.
Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Hlushchenko urged residents to stay in shelters during the bombardment and said measures were being taken to mitigate the impact on the power grid. This marks the 13th attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure this year, according to DTEK.
The attacks come during only the second year that Ukraine has officially celebrated Christmas on December 25, a shift from the traditional January 7 observance tied to Eastern Orthodox traditions. Zelenskyy noted the unifying significance of the holiday, saying, “For the second time in modern history, Christmas unites all Ukrainians. Today, we stand side by side. And we will not be lost.”
International leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, condemned the attack. Biden called it an “outrageous assault” intended to deprive Ukrainians of essential services during winter. He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Ukraine, including continuing a surge of weapons deliveries.
“Let me be clear: The Ukrainian people deserve to live in peace and safety, and the United States and the international community must continue to stand with Ukraine until it triumphs over Russia’s aggression,” Biden said.
Meanwhile, Russia reported retaliatory shelling in the partially occupied Kursk region, claiming four fatalities and five injuries. Local officials said the shelling disrupted gas and electricity supplies in the town of Lgov.
As Ukraine endured yet another wave of attacks, Zelenskyy emphasized resilience. “Ukrainians are together today. And as long as we do this, evil has no chance,” he declared.
