Wed Dec 25 21:00:00 UTC 2024: **Russia Launches Christmas Day Missile Attack on Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure**
KYIV, Ukraine – Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Christmas Day, causing widespread power outages across the country, including in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as “inhuman,” stating that Russia deliberately chose Christmas for the assault.
Over 70 missiles and 100 drones targeted energy facilities, with Ukrainian forces claiming to have shot down more than 50 missiles and a significant number of drones. Despite this, the attack resulted in “serious damage” to thermal power plants, according to DTEK, Ukraine’s largest energy company. Energy workers are working to restore power.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the strikes, claiming they successfully targeted critical infrastructure supporting Ukraine’s military-industrial complex. This marks the 13th attack on Ukraine’s energy sector this year and the 10th on DTEK’s facilities.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called the attack “Christmas terror,” a response to discussions of a potential Christmas ceasefire. Energy Minister Herman Hlushchenko urged citizens to remain in shelters. Zelenskyy highlighted the unity of Ukrainians amidst the attacks, emphasizing that despite the hardships, the spirit of the nation remains unbroken.
Meanwhile, Russian officials reported four deaths and five injuries in the Kursk region, blaming Ukrainian shelling which also disrupted gas and electricity supplies in the town of Lgov. Despite the ongoing conflict and devastation, many Ukrainians celebrated Christmas despite the lack of heat and electricity.
First Piper 