Kyiv: Russia launched an overwhelming attack on Ukraine on Wednesday, releasing over 700 missiles and 100 drones in an assault described by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “inhumane”. The strikes, which targeted Ukraine’s already struggling energy infrastructure, occurred on Christmas and resulted in widespread destruction, at least one confirmed fatality, and further damage to the nation’s power grid.
Zelenskyy, in a statement posted on X, accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of deliberately choosing Christmas to escalate the violence. “Every massive Russian strike requires time for preparation. It is never a spontaneous decision. It is a deliberate choice – not only of targets but also of timing and date. Today, Putin deliberately chose Christmas for an attack. What could be more inhumane?” Zelenskyy wrote.
Every massive Russian strike requires time for preparation. It is never a spontaneous decision. It is a deliberate choice – not only of targets but also of timing and date.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 25, 2024
Today, Putin deliberately chose Christmas for an attack. What could be more inhumane? Over 70 missiles,… pic.twitter.com/GMD8rTomoX
He further detailed the extent of the assault, stating: “More than 70 missiles, including ballistic missiles, and more than a hundred attack drones. The target is our energy system.”
As sirens blared across Ukraine, Russian Kalibr cruise missiles were reportedly launched from the Black Sea. The barrage marks the latest chapter in the ongoing conflict, with Ukraine enduring its most severe winter since the war’s onset nearly three years ago. Moscow has ramped up its aerial bombardments, especially as its forces continue to advance on the eastern front.
The governor of Kherson confirmed one death and three injuries as a result of the strikes in the past 24 hours. In the Dnipropetrovsk region, which is facing freezing temperatures, Governor Sergiy Lysak warned that the enemy was aiming to destroy the region’s power system. “The enemy is trying to destroy the region’s power system,” Lysak wrote on Telegram, urging residents to stay safe during air alerts.
In the aftermath of Christmas Eve’s earlier attacks, a 43-year-old man was reported dead, and 17 others were injured. The northeastern city of Kharkiv also endured heavy missile fire early Wednesday. Mayor Igor Terekhov called the bombardment a “massive missile attack,” with explosions echoing through the city. Regional authorities confirmed at least three injuries and reported further incoming missile strikes.
Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have become a common strategy, with frequent power outages adding to the civilian hardship. November witnessed an especially intense surge, with nearly 200 missiles and drones launched against the power grid.
Zelenskyy condemned the use of cluster munitions by Russia, labeling it a “despicable escalation” in the ongoing conflict.
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Ukraine has continued to request more advanced air defense systems from its allies to protect vital infrastructure. Recently, the United States approved the provision of long-range missiles to Ukrainian forces, a move that has drawn stern warnings from Moscow.
Russia’s defense ministry reported shooting down 59 Ukrainian drones overnight. Moscow also claimed the capture of more than 190 Ukrainian settlements in 2023, while Kyiv faces increasing challenges with limited manpower and dwindling ammunition supplies.
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This latest wave of attacks comes as the world prepares for Donald Trump’s inauguration as the U.S. president in January. Trump has promised to end the conflict swiftly, though he has not detailed his approach for achieving peace.
As the war continues, Ukraine faces relentless attacks compounded by freezing temperatures, with the toll of the conflict deepening for both sides.
