Ukraine endured another devastating blow on Christmas Day as Russian forces unleashed a barrage of over 170 missiles and drones, targeting the country’s fragile energy grid. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the “inhumane” assault, which claimed the life of an energy worker and plunged several regions into darkness.
The attack began early, with air raid sirens piercing the silence at 5:30 a.m. (0330 GMT), followed by reports of Kalibr cruise missiles launched from the Black Sea. “Putin deliberately chose Christmas to attack. What could be more inhumane?” Zelensky said, detailing the scale of the offensive, which included more than 70 missiles, ballistic missiles, and over 100 attack drones.
This marked the 13th large-scale assault on Ukraine’s power infrastructure this year, part of a relentless Russian strategy to cripple the nation’s energy supply during winter.
Ukraine’s air force managed to intercept 58 out of 79 missiles but failed to stop two North Korean-made KN-23 ballistic missiles. Kyiv also alleged that a Russian missile had crossed through Moldovan and Romanian airspace—claims Moldova is investigating, though Romania reported no violations.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack, hailing Ukraine’s resilience and Zelensky’s leadership against what he called “Putin’s bloody and brutal war machine.”
Meanwhile, Russia reported casualties on its own soil, with five people killed in Ukrainian strikes and a falling drone in the Kursk border region and North Ossetia.
Despite Ukraine’s defensive efforts, some strikes hit their targets, causing power outages across several regions. “Unfortunately, there are some hits,” Zelensky acknowledged grimly, as Ukrainians face yet another harsh winter with compromised electricity and heating.
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