Moscow struck Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Christmas Day, targeting the country’s critical infrastructure as part of an effort to wear down its people. President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as “inhuman” and said it was deliberate.
The attacks began before dawn on Wednesday, with over 70 cruise and ballistic missiles and 100 drones targeted at Ukraine’s energy grid. Ukrainian officials reported that air defense teams shot down 59 missiles, but power outages were declared across the country.
At least six people were wounded in the northeastern city of Kharkiv, and one person was killed in Dnipro. The toll from strikes around the country may rise. The attacks come as Ukraine tries to recover from previous bombardments that have left its energy network devastated.
President Biden condemned the attacks, saying the Ukrainian people deserve to live in peace and safety. Ukrainians are exhausted by years of bombardment and mourning the loss of tens of thousands fighting on the front. Many were huddled in bomb shelters instead of celebrating with friends and family.
The latest attack marks the 13th large-scale bombardment of Ukraine’s energy grid this year. The number of civilians killed over the past year has soared, with at least three times as many killed by aerial bombing compared to 2023.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/25/world/europe/russia-ukraine-strikes-energy-system.html