On Christmas Day, Ukraine faced a massive assault from Russia, targeting its power infrastructure with over 170 missiles and drones. This calculated attack claimed one life, triggered extensive power outages, and was condemned by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as "inhumane."
Energy Infrastructure Under Siege
Tuesday night and early Christmas morning saw a fresh wave of Russian strikes across Ukraine, severely damaging the nation’s energy grid. Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko urged citizens to remain vigilant as power outages swept through multiple regions. “The enemy attacks energy again massively,” Galushchenko stated, emphasizing that grid operators were taking immediate measures to mitigate further damage.
Restoration efforts are underway, but the damage assessment will proceed once the situation stabilizes. “Energy workers are doing everything to restore power as quickly as possible,” he added.
Zelenskyy: 'Deliberate and Inhumane' Attack
President Zelenskyy accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of intentionally targeting Christmas, a day symbolizing peace and unity. “Every massive strike by Russia is a deliberate and calculated choice,” he wrote on Telegram. Zelenskyy noted that over 70 missiles, including ballistic ones, and 100 drones were launched with the aim of plunging Ukraine into darkness.
Despite the severity of the assault, Ukraine’s air defense intercepted more than 50 missiles and many drones. Zelenskyy commended the country’s defenders while acknowledging the widespread destruction, especially to thermal power plants.
Critical Infrastructure Severely Damaged
DTEK, Ukraine’s leading energy company, reported significant damage to the power grid. CEO Maxim Timchenko described the strikes as "depraved and evil," designed to strip millions of Ukrainians of warmth and light during Christmas. He called on Ukraine’s allies to accelerate the delivery of advanced air defense systems to counter future attacks.
The Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv regions were among the hardest hit. Regional leaders reported intensified shelling and evacuations, with Kupiansk—a strategic town in Kharkiv—becoming a focal point of Russian aggression.
A Unified Ukraine Celebrates Amid Hardship
For the second consecutive year, Ukraine celebrated Christmas on December 25, aligning with Western traditions. The cultural shift away from the Orthodox calendar reflects a broader move to distance itself from Russian influence.
Zelenskyy highlighted the country’s resilience and unity during this challenging time. He said, We are celebrating Christmas together, as 1 nation, standing side-by-side,” hence as long as we remain united, evil has no opportunity.”
Global Condemnation and Calls for Support
The timing of the attack, coinciding with a day of peace and goodwill, drew sharp criticism from Ukraine’s allies. International leaders condemned Russia's disregard for civilian lives and reiterated calls for stronger support, particularly in air defense.
Zelenskyy Condemns Russia's Christmas Attack: Ukraine Stands Resilient
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has strongly criticized Russia for launching a massive strike on Christmas, calling it a deliberate and inhumane act. The attack, which included over 70 missiles—some ballistic—and more than 100 attack drones, targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, intensifying efforts to plunge the country into darkness.
In a statement, Zelenskyy emphasized, such attacks are not spontaneous but meticulously planned. He pointed out the calculated cruelty of choosing Christmas for the assault, questioning the humanity behind the decision. Despite the scale of the attack, Ukraine's defense forces managed to intercept and shoot down more than 50 missiles and a significant number of drones, according to preliminary reports.
However, some strikes did find their mark, causing power outages in several regions. Power engineers are working tirelessly to restore electricity, with efforts ongoing to minimize disruptions.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to those defending the country, particularly those on combat duty and working to protect Ukraine's skies. “I thank everyone who is working for the country. We will restore the maximum. Russian evil will not break Ukraine and will not spoil Christmas,” he vowed.
This latest attack highlights the resilience of the Ukrainian people and their determination to stand firm against aggression.For millions of Ukrainians, this Christmas was a somber reminder of the ongoing war’s toll. Amid darkness and fear, the country continues to defend its sovereignty, relying on global solidarity to weather the storm.