A firefighter works at the site of residential buildings hit by a Russian drone strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine December 25, 2024. REUTERS/Sofiia Gatilova
Russia Launches Massive Christmas Assault on Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure
Russia conducted a large-scale attack on Ukraine’s energy systems and cities on Christmas Day, deploying over 70 missiles and 100 drones in strikes described as “inhuman” by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The assault left six people injured in Kharkiv and one dead in Dnipropetrovsk, according to regional officials.
Impact of the Strikes
- Kharkiv: The northeastern city saw significant damage to civilian infrastructure, leaving half a million residents without heating in near-freezing temperatures.
- Dnipropetrovsk: Governor Serhiy Lysak reported attacks on power facilities, resulting in one fatality.
- Kyiv and Other Regions: Blackouts were reported across the capital and other areas, further straining Ukraine’s power grid.
Ukraine’s air defenses intercepted 59 missiles and 54 drones overnight, mitigating the full impact of the attack.
Russia’s Justification
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed the strikes targeted energy facilities supporting Ukraine’s “military-industrial complex,” asserting that all objectives were achieved.
Targeting Energy Infrastructure
This marks the 13th large-scale assault on Ukraine’s energy sector this year. Since spring, Russian attacks have damaged nearly half of Ukraine’s generating capacity, causing prolonged blackouts and heating disruptions.
Ukraine’s largest private energy company, DTEK, confirmed that its generating facilities were severely damaged in the strikes. DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko called on Ukraine’s allies to provide additional air defense ammunition to protect critical infrastructure, labeling Russia’s actions as “state-sponsored terrorism.”
Religious and Cultural Significance
The attack coincided with Ukraine’s second Christmas celebration on December 25 under the Gregorian calendar. This shift, adopted by the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine in 2023, moves away from the traditional Julian calendar used in Russia, where Christmas is observed on January 7.
International Condemnation
- Ukraine: Energy Minister German Galushchenko criticized the attacks as an attempt to weaponize winter against civilians.
- United States: U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink condemned Russia’s actions as an attack on families and critical infrastructure, calling for continued support for Ukraine’s defense.
Outlook
As Ukraine faces its second winter of war, the attacks on its energy infrastructure highlight Russia’s ongoing strategy of targeting civilian utilities. Ukrainian leaders continue to appeal for increased international support to bolster air defense systems and protect critical infrastructure amid escalating assaults.
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