Thu Dec 26 09:02:49 UTC 2024: ## Biden Vows Weapon Surge After Russia’s Christmas Day Attack on Ukraine

**Kyiv, Ukraine** – A massive Russian missile and drone barrage targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Christmas Day has prompted a strong response from US President Joe Biden, who condemned the attack as “outrageous” and pledged a significant increase in weapons deliveries to Ukraine.

The attack, which involved over 170 missiles and drones, killed at least one energy worker and caused widespread damage to power plants, forcing many Ukrainians to seek shelter in metro stations. Ukrainian authorities reported intercepting a significant portion of the incoming projectiles, but the strikes still caused widespread disruption to the power grid, marking the 13th large-scale attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure this year.

President Biden stated that the attack was intended to deprive Ukrainians of heat and electricity during the winter, jeopardizing the nation’s safety. He affirmed the US’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced the attack as inhumane, highlighting the targeting of civilian infrastructure on a major religious holiday. The attacks hit multiple regions, including the second-largest city, Kharkiv, causing fires and injuries. Further attacks continued overnight, with Ukrainian forces reporting the downing of additional drones.

Meanwhile, Russia’s FSB claimed to have thwarted a Ukrainian intelligence plot to assassinate senior Russian officers and their families in Moscow. This follows the recent death of a Russian Lieutenant General, allegedly killed by a bomb attached to an electric scooter. Russia also reported civilian casualties in border regions from alleged Ukrainian attacks.

The ongoing conflict has intensified concerns about the potential impact of the incoming US presidential administration under President-elect Donald Trump, who has indicated a desire to quickly resolve the conflict. This has raised fears of pressure on Kyiv to accept a peace settlement that may be unfavorable to Ukraine. Despite this, fighting continues on multiple fronts with Russia seemingly gaining ground in some regions.

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