Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine on Christmas Day, targeting energy infrastructure and causing widespread blackouts. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy condemned the strikes as a deliberate act of inhumanity.

BulletsIn

• Russia attacked Ukrainian energy sites with 78 missiles and 106 drones, including Shaheds; Ukraine intercepted 59 missiles and 54 drones.
• Attacks led to power outages across multiple regions, including Kyiv, as preemptive measures were taken by energy operators.
• Ukraine’s Energy Minister called it a deliberate attempt to create a blackout, with 13 major attacks on energy infrastructure this year.
• In Kharkiv, six people were injured; in Dnipro, one person died, and heating was disrupted for 155 residential buildings.
• Over 500,000 residents in Kharkiv were left without heat, and Dnipro’s governor accused Russia of destroying the region’s power system.
• President Zelenskyy called the attack a targeted strike on Christmas, emphasizing the resilience of Ukrainians.
• US President Joe Biden condemned the attack as “outrageous” and pledged continued arms support to Ukraine.
• Washington has allocated $175 billion in aid to Ukraine, though its future under the next administration is uncertain.