Russia unleashed a large-scale missile and drone barrage on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Christmas Day, with strikes targeting thermal power plants and cities across the eastern regions. The attack forced residents to take shelter in metro stations and plunged parts of the country into darkness.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the timing and intent of the assault. “Putin deliberately chose Christmas for an attack. What could be more inhumane?” he said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). “They continue to fight for a blackout in Ukraine.”
Scale of the Assault
According to Zelensky, the attack involved over 70 rockets, including ballistic missiles, and more than 100 attack drones. Ukraine’s air defense systems intercepted at least 50 missiles and a significant number of drones.
Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko confirmed that the strikes primarily targeted the country’s energy infrastructure. “The distribution system operator is taking necessary measures to limit consumption and minimize the negative consequences for the power system,” Halushchenko stated, adding that repairs would begin as soon as the security situation allowed.
Widespread Damage and Power Outages
Ukraine’s largest private energy provider, DTEK, reported that a thermal power plant was hit Wednesday morning. This marks the 13th attack on Ukraine’s power grid this year. DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko described the strikes as a “depraved and evil act” and called for a strong international response.
Preemptive power outages were implemented across the country, including in the capital Kyiv, to mitigate further damage. Several districts in Kyiv experienced complete power loss, according to state energy operator Ukrenergo.
In Kharkiv, at least seven missile strikes sparked fires across the city, with three people reported injured, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov warned residents to stay in shelters as ballistic missiles continued to target the city.
International Concerns
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported that one Russian missile crossed into Moldovan and Romanian airspace, raising alarms about the regional implications of Russia’s actions. Moldova’s government condemned the airspace violation, calling it a breach of international law and expressing solidarity with Ukraine.
Context and Ongoing Impact
The strikes come as Ukraine’s energy infrastructure remains a primary target in Russia’s ongoing invasion. Ukrainian officials have accused Moscow of deliberately using winter and significant holidays like Christmas to maximize civilian suffering.
Wednesday’s attack underscores the continued vulnerability of Ukraine’s energy grid and the increasing humanitarian toll as temperatures drop and the war grinds on into its third winter.
