Zelensky Slams Russia’s “Cruel” Assault on Christmas Day

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asserts that Russia made a “deliberate decision” by initiating a significant assault on his nation’s energy infrastructure on Christmas Day.

Ukraine’s air force reported the detection of 184 missiles and drones, though many were intercepted or failed to reach their objectives.

Casualties resulted from the attacks, but specific numbers were not provided.

Moscow acknowledged the assault and stated its objectives had been fulfilled.

The assault resulted in power outages nationwide, including in the capital, Kyiv, where some citizens sought refuge in metro stations.

Russia’s defense ministry confirmed that its military conducted a “massive strike” on “vital” energy installations in Ukraine.

Additionally, it stated that the operation was successful and all targets were struck.

According to Ukraine’s largest private energy company, DTEK, this incident marked the 13th significant attack on the nation’s energy sector this year.

In September, President Zelensky indicated that 80% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure had been devastated by Russian bombardments.

In response to the attacks on Wednesday, Zelensky mentioned that the timing represented a “deliberate decision”.

He labelled them “inhumane” and stated efforts were underway to restore power as quickly as possible.

“Russian malevolence will not fracture Ukraine and will not tarnish Christmas,” he asserted.

This marks the second occasion Ukraine has celebrated Christmas on December 25th. Traditionally, it adhered to the Julian calendar, similar to Russia, where Christmas is observed on January 7th.

In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city in the northeast, the attack resulted in half a million residents lacking water, electricity, or heating amid chilling temperatures, reported the regional governor.

Ukrainians nationwide awoke to the sound of air raid sirens and were advised to seek shelter as the assaults proceeded in the morning.

In the metro stations of Kyiv, residents sought shelter, with one local expressing to Reuters news agency feelings of anger and fear.

“Naturally, I wish to be at home and celebrate, but we needed to take shelter because staying home felt frightening,” noted Sofiia Lytvynenko.

Another Kyiv inhabitant, Oleksandra, remarked that despite the assault, “Christmas won’t be annulled”.

She conveyed to Reuters her intention to enjoy traditional Ukrainian cuisine and beverages with family and friends once it is safe to exit the shelter.

Ukrainian state-owned power enterprise, Ukrenergo, cautioned that power interruptions could persist until at least the end of the day.

They have enforced usage limitations while endeavoring to restore service.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha characterized the strikes as “Christmas terror”.

He stated that a Russian missile traversed Moldovan and Romanian airspace, “reminding us that Russia poses a threat not only to Ukraine”.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu condemned the strike, confirming that a missile was detected within her country’s airspace.

Romania reported that it did not identify a missile in its own airspace.

In a different location, four individuals lost their lives and five more were injured due to Ukrainian shelling in Russia’s Kursk region, as reported by the area’s acting governor.