Key Takeaways:
– Ukraine experienced a large-scale missile and drone attack on its energy system on Christmas Day by Russia.
– The attack left half a million people without heating in freezing temperatures and caused blackouts in Kyiv and other regions.
– President Zelensky described the attack as “inhumane,” denoting the strike as “state-sponsored terrorism” by Russia.
– The attack transpired as Ukraine was celebrating Christmas, in a move to degrade the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church.
– In response to the attacks, Ukraine urges its allies to provide air defense ammunition to protect the country’s vital energy infrastructure.
Vast Russian Attack on Ukraine’s Energy System Leaves Half a Million Without Heat
On Christmas Day, a large-scale missile and drone attack orchestrated by Russia primarily targeted Ukraine’s energy system. This “inhumane” assault, as stated by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, left half a million people in Kharkiv grappling with bitterly cold temperatures without any heating. Concurrently, areas like Kyiv and several other regions faced blackouts.
Death and Casualties from State-Sponsored Terrorism
According to reports, at least one individual died while six more sustained injuries during the attack, which has been described as “state-sponsored terrorism” by the incumbent Ukrainian energy chief. This malicious action targeted civilian populations, wreaking havoc in residential areas as well as striking a significant blow to the country’s energy infrastructure.
Russia’s Deliberate Timing on Christmas
The exact timing of this attack was intentional and calculating. President Zelensky stated, “Putin deliberately chose Christmas for an attack. What could be more inhumane?” This assault was not just about the selected targets but also the time and date it was planned to unfold. Ukraine officially celebrated Christmas on 25 December for only the second time as part of a concerted effort to diminish the reach of the Russian Orthodox Church, which celebrates it on 7 January.
Destruction of Ukraine’s Power Sources
More than 70 missiles, including ballistic ones, and over 100 attack drones were deployed by Russia to strike Ukraine’s power sources. Despite defense efforts that succeeded in shooting down nearly 60 missiles and 54 drones, according to Kyiv’s air force, the damage was profound. President Zelensky emphasized that the targets were primarily Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Russian attempts “to continue to fight for a blackout in Ukraine” have put tremendous strain on the country’s resources.
Ukraine’s Plea for Support Amid Continued Attacks
Ukraine’s largest private energy company, DTEK, whose generating facilities were subjected to the attacks, appealed to allies of Ukraine for support. The strikes have caused serious damage to power equipment. According to DTEK chief executive Maxim Timchenko, state-sponsored terrorism can only be halted with aid from allies providing air defense ammunition to Ukrainian forces to protect critical energy infrastructure.
International Condemnation and Continued Resolve
The international community including leaders like UK’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, have echoed President Zelensky’s sentiments, paying tribute to the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Starmer further urged for a renewed commitment to place Ukraine in a strong position to counter Russia’s illicit aggression targeting the country. Furthermore, US ambassador Bridget Brink condemned the attacks, harshly criticizing Russia for weaponizing winter as most Ukrainians were celebrating the holidays at their homes.
Russian Attacks Intensify and Prolong Blackouts
Since spring, Russia has escalated its strikes on the Ukrainian energy sector. These attacks have rendered almost half of Ukraine’s generating capacity nonfunctional, leading to prolonged blackouts throughout the country. As we head into the New Year, the latest act of aggression on Christmas Eve serves as a stark reminder of the relentless onslaught Ukraine continues to endure, fortifying its determination to resist these persistent threats.