In a chilling display of aggression, Russian forces, under the command of Vladimir Putin, launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine, leaving half a million people in Kharkiv without heating.
The attack, which took place on Christmas Day, was deemed "inhumane" by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The assault resulted in at least six people wounded in Kharkiv and one fatality in the region of Dnipropetrovsk, according to local governors.
As reported by The Independent, the Ukrainian president disclosed that over 70 missiles, including ballistic missiles, and more than 100 attack drones were deployed to target Ukraine's power sources. Despite the onslaught, Kyiv was able to intercept and destroy at least 50 missiles and a significant number of drones. "Putin deliberately chose Christmas for an attack. What could be more inhumane?" Zelensky questioned. "They continue to fight for a blackout in Ukraine."
The strikes were met with international condemnation. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer denounced the "bloody and brutal" attacks, noting the lack of respite, even during the Christmas season. This assault followed a previous incident where a ballistic missile struck an apartment building in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, killing at least one person and injuring 15 others.
In a countermove, Ukrainian drones reportedly destroyed an ammunition depot at the Kadamovsky military training ground in Russia's Rostov region. A source in Ukraines SBU security service informed the Kyiv Independent that the depot was used to supply Russian troops in the Kramatorsk sector of Ukraines Donetsk region. The destruction of the depot has reportedly caused significant logistical difficulties for the Russians, affecting their ability to conduct combat operations.
The timing of the attack is noteworthy as this is the second year that Ukraine has officially celebrated Christmas on December 25, a move aimed at distancing itself from Russias cultural influence. Last year, Zelensky signed a law shifting Ukraines official Christmas Day to December 25, with the intention of abandoning the Russian heritage of the Orthodox Christmas, traditionally celebrated on January 7.
In a related development, Russias foreign ministry accused NATO of attempting to transform Moldova into a logistical center to support the Ukrainian army and bring its military infrastructure closer to Russia. Maria Zakharova, the ministrys spokesperson, cited a large transfer of weapons to Moldova in recent months and the pro-Western views of Moldovas president Maia Sandu as evidence.
Prime Minister Starmer further condemned Putins Christmas Day attacks on Ukraine, praising the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the leadership of President Zelensky in the face of further drone and missile attacks from Putins "bloody and brutal war machine." He stressed the importance of strengthening Ukraine's position to end Russias illegal aggression against the Ukrainian people as the New Year approaches.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha reported that one Russian missile crossed into Moldovan and Romanian airspace during the mass attack on Ukraines energy infrastructure. Russias defense ministry confirmed it conducted a massive strike on what it claimed were critical energy facilities supporting the work of Kyivs military-industrial complex. The ministry claimed that all targeted facilities were hit.
The fallout from the conflict is not limited to Ukraine. In Russia's North Ossetia region, falling debris from a Ukrainian drone that was shot down allegedly caused an explosion and a fatal fire in a shopping center in the city of Vladikavkaz. The regional governor, Sergei Menyailo, claimed that air defense systems shot down the drone. However, this assertion could not be immediately verified.
As the conflict escalates, the resilience of the Ukrainian people and their leadership remains steadfast. Despite the "inhumane" attacks on their power sources, they continue to resist, with Zelensky leading the charge. The international community, including British Prime Minister Starmer, stands in solidarity with Ukraine, condemning Russia's "bloody and brutal" strikes. As the New Year approaches, the resolve to end Russias illegal aggression against the Ukrainian people is stronger than ever.
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