Wed Dec 25 08:57:29 UTC 2024: ## Russia Launches Massive Christmas Day Missile Attack on Ukraine
**KYIV, Ukraine** – Russia launched a massive barrage of missiles and drones targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Christmas Day, Ukrainian officials reported. The attack, which involved over 70 missiles and 100 drones according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, caused widespread damage and casualties.
The attacks hit residential areas in several cities, including Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskyy’s hometown, and Kharkiv. In Kryvyi Rih, a ballistic missile struck an apartment building, killing at least one person and injuring 15 others. Kharkiv also suffered multiple strikes, with at least three reported wounded and the number of casualties still being assessed. The exact number of casualties across all affected areas remains unclear.
Ukraine’s Energy Minister German Galushchenko confirmed that the energy sector was the primary target of the widespread attack. The transmission system operator is working to mitigate the impact on the energy grid, implementing measures to limit consumption. This latest attack comes as Ukraine faces its toughest winter yet in the nearly three-year-long conflict, with Moscow intensifying its attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Zelenskyy condemned the attack as inhumane, highlighting Russia’s deliberate targeting of civilian areas during the Christmas holiday. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman, echoed this sentiment, expressing outrage at the continued suffering inflicted upon Ukrainians during the holiday season.
Russia’s defense ministry claimed to have intercepted 59 Ukrainian drones overnight, while Ukraine’s air force reported the launch of Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea. The ongoing conflict continues amid Russia’s intensified offensive in eastern Ukraine and claims of significant territorial gains. The situation remains volatile, with Ukraine facing challenges related to manpower and ammunition shortages.
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