On Christmas Day, Russia unleashed a volley of over 70 missiles and drones targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, plunging the country back under dire conditions as it grapples with the prolonged conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, labeling them "inhumane" and criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin for deliberately timing the strikes to coincide with the holiday.
Early on December 25, air raid alarms echoed across Ukraine as the nation awoke to the warning of incoming strikes. Reports swiftly confirmed the launch of Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea, marking this assault as part of Russia's broader strategy to disrupt Ukraine during the winter months. Zelenskyy stressed, "Putin deliberately chose Christmas to attack. What could be more inhumane? Over 70 missiles, including ballistic ones, and more than 100 attack drones. The targets are our energy infrastructure... Russian evil will not break Ukraine and will not ruin Christmas."
The devastating aerial assault left civilians reeling, with many residents finding themselves sheltering underground, seeking refuge from bombings. The government of Kharkiv reported injuries to six individuals from the missile strikes, which targeted the city relentlessly, disabled heating systems, and compromised electricity for hundreds of thousands.
Local authorities noted significant damage across several regions, as well as notable resilience demonstrated by the Ukrainian Air Force, which intercepted over 50 missiles even as others found their marks. Efforts to restore power commenced immediately, with engineers working tirelessly to repair the damaged energy systems, particularly affecting the critically important thermal power plants. "Unfortunately, there are some hits. We are experiencing blackouts across several regions," Zelenskyy indicated.
The Christmas Day missile strikes represent Russia's 13th large-scale attack on Ukraine's energy facilities this year, as the country finds itself on the defensive heading toward another harsh winter. Svitlana Onyshchuk, the head of the Ivano-Frankivsk region, highlighted the unrelenting threat, saying, "Christmas morning has once again shown... nothing is sacred for the aggressor country."
The international community reacted swiftly to the egregious attacks. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer remarked on the grave circumstances faced by Ukrainians, declaring, "I pay tribute to the resilience of the Ukrainian people, and the leadership of President Zelenskyy, in the face of... Putin's bloody and brutal war machine, with no respite even at Christmas."
U.S. President Joe Biden also weighed in on the attacks, calling them "outrageous" and reaffirming the United States' commitment to bolstering Ukraine's military defenses. He stated, "Let me be clear: the Ukrainian people deserve to live in peace and safety. The United States and the international community must continue to stand with Ukraine until it triumphs over Russia's aggression."
Despite the bleak situation, messages of solidarity and determination emerged from citizens across Ukraine. Many Ukrainians took to the streets, defiantly celebrating their culture and resilience through Christmas carols, reaffirming their commitment to persevere amid destruction. Events commemorated the strength of the Ukrainian spirit, even as darkness engulfed their towns and cities once more.
With no indications of abatement from Russian forces, the conflict continues to dominate the lives of millions. The attacks have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis as international worries mount over how these assaults affect the already strained energy supply during the harsh winter months.
The sheer magnitude of these missile strikes emphasizes the urgency of the situation. Ukrainian officials have been vocal about their need for increased support from allies to sustain their defense capabilities and to mitigate potential crises resulting from energy shortages due to targeted strikes.
Future confrontations loom, as both sides aim to consolidate their positions and respond to each other's movements leading closer to the New Year. Understanding the heavy toll these attacks impose on civilians, both local and international communities now rally around humanitarian efforts and military support to uphold the integrity and independence of Ukraine.
While Christmas is traditionally viewed as time for peace and goodwill, for Ukrainians it has become yet another reminder of the grim and relentless reality they face. Yet, as Zelenskyy aptly states, "Russian evil will not break Ukraine and will not ruin Christmas"—a sentiment echoed throughout the country as citizens remain steadfast against the storm.
