Russia Launches Massive Airstrikes on Ukraine on Christmas Morning
On December 25, 2024, Russia conducted a series of extensive airstrikes targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict as the war enters its third winter. Local authorities reported explosions across multiple cities, including Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kremenchuk, Kryvyi Rih, and Ivano-Frankivsk. The Ukrainian National Police confirmed that at least three individuals were wounded in Kharkiv, which was heavily impacted by at least seven missile strikes.
Ukrainian Energy Minister German Haluschenko stated that the attacks were aimed at the energy sector, leading to emergency blackouts in various regions. The situation has been exacerbated by recent missile strikes, including a deadly attack on Kryvyi Rih on Christmas Eve, where one person was killed and 17 others injured when a missile struck a residential building. This attack occurred in President Volodymyr Zelensky's hometown, highlighting the personal toll of the conflict.
In response to the escalating threat from Russia, Poland has deployed fighter jets to bolster defenses in western Ukraine. This military support comes amid a backdrop of increased Russian aggression, including a missile attack on Kyiv that resulted in damage to several embassies and civilian structures.
President Zelensky condemned the attacks, describing them as acts of aggression that target civilians during a time of celebration. He emphasized the need for unity among Ukrainians, stating, 'Christmas unites all Ukrainians,' and reaffirmed the desire for peace despite the ongoing violence.
