Wed Dec 25 20:52:14 UTC 2024: ## Russia Launches Christmas Day Missile Barrage on Ukraine, Killing Civilians
**Kyiv, Ukraine** – Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Christmas Day, killing at least four civilians and plunging several cities into darkness and cold. The attack, which President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called a deliberate act of aggression, targeted power facilities across the country, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and others.
Ukraine’s air force reported detecting 184 missiles and drones, claiming to have shot down or intercepted more than 113. Despite the ongoing danger, many Ukrainians continued Christmas celebrations amidst widespread power outages and planned blackouts.
The Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed the attack, stating that it successfully targeted critical energy infrastructure to disrupt Ukraine’s military-industrial complex. Reports from across the country detailed damage to residential buildings, hospitals, and educational institutions. In Kharkiv, 500,000 people were left without electricity, and 520,000 without heating and water. Dnipro also experienced significant damage, though utilities were largely restored by the afternoon.
The attacks prompted international condemnation, with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praising the resilience of the Ukrainian people and vowing continued support. Moldova also condemned the attack after a Russian missile reportedly violated its airspace. Romania, however, denied reports that a missile had entered its territory.
The attacks follow a recent shift in Ukraine’s Christmas celebrations. This year, for the first time, Ukraine celebrated Christmas on December 25th, aligning with the Gregorian calendar in a move away from Russian traditions. Despite the ongoing conflict, many Ukrainians found ways to celebrate the holiday amidst the ongoing attacks. The attacks underscore the ongoing brutality of the conflict, as Russia continues its assault on Ukraine’s civilian population and infrastructure even during the Christmas season.
First Piper 