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Russia Fires Over 70 Missiles in Massive Christmas Attack on Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure

Dec 25, 2024, 07:00 AM

On December 25, 2024, Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure in multiple cities, including Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kremenchuk, Kryvyi Rih, Poltava, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Kyiv. Ukrainian officials reported that Russian forces launched over 70 missiles, including hypersonic and ballistic missiles, and more than 100 attack drones. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine's air defense systems shot down more than 50 missiles and a significant number of drones. In Kharkiv, Mayor Igor Terekhov reported a "massive ballistic missile attack" on the city, with at least 13 explosions heard. Local authorities reported at least three injuries in Kharkiv, with six wounded civilians. Explosions were also reported in Dnipro, where about 12 explosions occurred, and in Kremenchuk, with about five explosions. At least one person was killed in the attacks, according to officials. Ukraine's energy operator, Ukrenergo, implemented emergency power outages due to the attacks on energy infrastructure. The energy system was targeted, leading to electricity consumption restrictions across the country. Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko stated that Russia was "massively attacking the energy sector." President Zelensky condemned the attacks as "inhuman" and stated that Russia deliberately chose Christmas Day to attack. Energy and civilian infrastructure were damaged across Ukraine.