Russia Hits Ukraine’s Energy Network in Big Christmas Attack, Zelensky Calls It Cruel
On Christmas Day, many people in Kyiv hid in metro stations as Russia launched a major attack on Ukraine’s energy systems.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this was a “deliberate choice” by Russia to target the country’s power and energy on such a significant day.
According to the BBC, Ukraine’s air force detected 184 missiles and drones during the attack. While many were intercepted, some hit their targets, causing casualties.
The strikes caused power outages across Ukraine, including in Kyiv, where families sought shelter in underground stations. One Kyiv resident, Sofiia Lytvynenko, shared with Reuters that she felt scared but determined to stay safe, saying, “It’s scary to stay at home.”
Despite this, another resident, Oleksandra, refused to let the attack ruin the holiday spirit, saying, “Christmas is not canceled.”
The BBC explained that Russia’s defense forces confirmed the attack, claiming they hit critical energy sites and achieved their goals. This marks the 13th large-scale attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure this year, according to DTEK, Ukraine’s biggest private energy company.
Back in September, Zelensky noted that Russian attacks had already destroyed 80% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
The BBC also reported that in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, the attack left 500,000 people without water, electricity, or heat in freezing temperatures. Across Ukraine, air raid alarms woke citizens, with authorities urging everyone to seek safety.
Zelensky condemned the attack as “inhumane” and promised that Ukraine would not let this break their spirit or ruin Christmas. The BBC highlighted Zelensky’s assurance that work to restore power was underway, with Ukraine’s energy company Ukrenergo warning that outages could last all day.
Ukraine celebrated Christmas on December 25 for only the second time this year. Traditionally, Ukrainians followed the Julian calendar, celebrating Christmas on January 7, the same day as Russia.
The BBC reported that outside Ukraine, a Russian missile was said to have crossed into Moldovan airspace, causing alarm. Moldova’s President Maia Sandu criticized the strike, while Romania stated it did not detect any missile in its airspace.
In response, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described Russia’s actions as “Christmas terror.” Meanwhile, Russia reported casualties on its side, with four people killed in Ukraine’s shelling of its Kursk region, as per Russian officials.
This story from the BBC shows how the war has deeply affected Ukrainians even on Christmas, with power cuts and fear interrupting their lives, but also how their resilience and determination shine through in the face of such challenges.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgrn2xxqeno