Zelensky Denounces 'Inhumane' Christmas Day Strikes on Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly condemned Russia’s decision to launch a large-scale attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during Christmas celebrations. Labeling the strikes as a “conscious choice” by Moscow, he emphasized the devastating impact on civilians and the country’s already battered power grid.
Ukraine’s air force reported detecting 184 missiles and drones targeting critical energy facilities across the nation. Many were intercepted, but some struck their marks, resulting in casualties, though specific figures were not disclosed.
Moscow confirmed the assault, claiming it had successfully hit all intended targets in what it described as a “massive strike” on essential energy sites. Russia’s defense ministry asserted the operation had achieved its goals, marking the 13th major attack on Ukraine’s energy sector this year.
Power Outages and Sheltering Residents
The attack caused widespread power outages, including in the capital, Kyiv, where residents sought refuge in underground metro stations. Kyiv’s mayor reported significant damage to residential buildings, while the regional governor of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, revealed that half a million residents were left without water, electricity, or heating amid freezing temperatures.
Across Ukraine, air raid sirens sounded early in the morning, disrupting holiday celebrations. In Kyiv, residents expressed anger and fear but remained determined to celebrate Christmas in their own way. One woman, Oleksandra, shared her plans to enjoy traditional Ukrainian dishes with her family once it was safe to leave the shelter.
A Nation’s Resilience
President Zelensky condemned the timing of the strikes, calling them “inhumane,” but vowed that Ukraine would persevere. “Russian evil will not break Ukraine and will not distort Christmas,” he said, highlighting ongoing efforts to restore power as quickly as possible.
This Christmas marked only the second time Ukraine celebrated on December 25, a move away from the Julian calendar traditionally observed by Russia, where Christmas falls on January 7.
International Fallout
Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, described the strikes as “Christmas terror,” noting that one Russian missile violated Moldovan and Romanian airspace, raising concerns beyond Ukraine’s borders. Moldovan President Maia Sandu confirmed the incursion and condemned Russia’s aggression, while Romania stated it had not detected any missile in its airspace.
Meanwhile, in Russia’s Kursk region, officials reported four deaths and five injuries due to Ukrainian shelling, according to the acting governor.
A Bleak Yet Defiant Holiday
The strikes follow months of relentless attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which Zelensky said has left 80% of the system destroyed since September. Despite the hardships, Ukrainians remain steadfast. One Kyiv resident summed up the spirit of the day: “Christmas is not canceled.”
