Ukrainian Christmas Marred by Russian Missile Strikes
On Christmas morning, Ukraine faced a deliberate and brutal assault from Russia, which launched over 70 missiles and more than a hundred drones targeting critical energy infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes as “inhuman,” noting the timing of the attack during a significant holiday for Ukrainians. As a result, half a million residents in the Kharkiv region found themselves without heating in frigid temperatures, while the capital, Kyiv, also experienced blackouts.
The Kharkiv mayor reported at least three injuries from missile impacts, highlighting the widespread distress caused by the onslaught. In addition to the Kharkiv casualties, one person was reported dead in Kherson and multiple injuries in Dnipropetrovsk region, where rescue operations were ongoing following other strikes. Energy Minister German Galushchenko confirmed that restrictions had been imposed to mitigate the impact on electricity supplies.
The U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, described these attacks as “Russia’s Christmas gift to Ukraine,” emphasizing that for the third consecutive holiday season, Russia was employing winter as a weapon against Ukrainian families. Zelenskyy reassured the nation that such attacks would not weaken their spirit or distort the essence of Christmas.
Despite these aggressive actions, Ukrainians celebrated their second Christmas on December 25, moving away from the Julian calendar used in Russia and thus highlighting their independence. This year’s assault marks the 13th major strike on the Ukrainian energy sector since the war’s inception. Ukraine continues to appeal for enhanced air-defense systems from allies to fend off ongoing aerial threats. Meanwhile, discussions of peace loom as both nations eye shifts in military and diplomatic strategies ahead of potential political changes in the U.S.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
