On Christmas Day, while many around the world celebrated, Ukrainians endured yet another brutal assault as Russian forces launched a "massive attack" on Ukraine’s energy sector and cities.
Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman, expressed the country’s ongoing suffering, stating on Telegram, “While other countries of the world are celebrating Christmas, Ukrainians are continuing to suffer from endless Russian attacks.”
This marked another harrowing chapter in a war that has now stretched into nearly three years.
The violence began early on Christmas morning, when air raid sirens blared across Ukraine, signalling another wave of missile strikes. Ukrainian military sources confirmed that Russia launched Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea, which targeted key infrastructure and residential areas.
As the day unfolded, reports emerged from cities like Kryvyi Rih and Kharkiv, where missile attacks caused significant damage and casualties.
One of the worst-hit areas was Kryvyi Rih, a city in central Ukraine and the hometown of President Volodymyr Zelensky. A ballistic missile struck a four-storey apartment block, killing one person and injuring 15 others, including four who sustained serious injuries.
The destruction was severe, with many residents trapped under rubble. The head of the city’s military administration, Oleksandr Vilkul, described the situation on Telegram as dire, calling the attack an example of the brutal tactics employed by Russia.
Kharkiv, in northeastern Ukraine, also suffered a "massive missile attack." Explosions rocked the city, and a series of ballistic missiles continued to target the area.
Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed at least three people were injured, with more casualties expected as the assessment of the damage continued. Russian forces fired at least seven missiles at the city, further intensifying the already dire situation for Ukrainian civilians.
Ukraine’s Energy Sector Targeted
As the missile attacks continued, Russia’s focus shifted to Ukraine’s energy sector. On the same day, German Galushchenko, Ukraine’s Minister of Energy, reported that Russian forces had launched a massive assault on the country's power grid.
This attack aimed to cripple Ukraine’s energy supply, particularly ahead of what was expected to be one of the harshest winters in the war. In response, Ukraine’s transmission system operator took emergency measures to limit energy consumption and protect the grid from further damage.
The coordinated strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure are part of a broader strategy by Russia to destabilise the country during the winter months. Galushchenko’s statement on Telegram confirmed the severity of the situation.
"The enemy is again massively attacking the energy sector." This marked an escalation of efforts by Russia to disrupt vital services and further strain Ukraine’s ability to resist the invasion.
President Zelensky condemned the attack, describing it as “inhumane” and accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of deliberately choosing Christmas Day to launch the strikes.
The Ukrainian President stated, “Putin deliberately chose Christmas to attack. What could be more inhumane? More than 70 missiles, including ballistic missiles, and more than a hundred attack drones. The target is our energy system.”
This assault highlighted the devastating nature of the ongoing conflict, which continues to affect civilians across Ukraine.
The Attack’s Broader Impact
The Christmas Day attacks are not isolated incidents but are part of a larger pattern of aggression by Russian forces, which have intensified their offensive in eastern Ukraine.
As Russia seeks to consolidate its gains, Ukrainian forces are struggling to hold critical territory amidst a shortage of resources. In the months leading up to the attacks, Russia claimed to have seized over 190 Ukrainian settlements.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is battling to keep its defensive lines intact, with both manpower and ammunition running low.
These recent strikes are also a reminder of the ongoing geopolitical stakes of the war. With US President-elect Donald Trump expected to take office in January, Russia has sought to secure as much territory as possible, anticipating shifts in international support.
However, despite the dire circumstances, Ukraine continues to show resilience in the face of immense pressure.
Russia's Defence Ministry claimed that it had shot down 59 Ukrainian drones overnight, while Ukrainian forces reported that Russian Kalibr missiles were launched from the Black Sea, though the final destinations of those missiles were not immediately clear.
As the war drags on, both sides continue to escalate their military strategies, with devastating consequences for the people of Ukraine.
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