KYIV, Dec 26 (Alliance News): Russia carried out a brutal missile and drone assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and cities on Christmas Day, leaving several regions in darkness and cold as winter temperatures set in.
At least six people were wounded in the northeastern city of Kharkiv and one was killed in Dnipropetrovsk, according to local officials. The strikes targeted critical energy facilities, including those supplying heating and electricity.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the attack as “inhuman,” while US President Joe Biden labeled it “outrageous” and pledged a new wave of military aid to Ukraine, asking the US Defense Department to expedite assistance.
The attack caused power outages for hundreds of thousands of people, including in Kharkiv, where 500,000 were left without heat.
Russian authorities confirmed a “massive strike” on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, claiming that their targets had been successfully hit. Despite heavy losses, Ukraine’s air defense systems intercepted 59 missiles and 54 drones.
The US, which has committed $175 billion in aid to Ukraine, is monitoring the situation, as political uncertainty looms with the upcoming presidential transition.
Moldova, Ukraine’s neighbor, also reported a Russian missile violating its airspace during the assault.
President Maia Sandu condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Ukraine. This attack marks another chapter in Russia’s ongoing efforts to destroy Ukraine’s energy capacity, which has been a focus of escalation since spring 2023.
The United States continues to back Ukraine with advanced military support, as Russia’s strategy of using winter as a weapon against Ukrainian civilians continues.
