Massive Russian Missile Attacks on Christmas Day in Ukraine
On December 25, 2024, as many Ukrainians celebrated Christmas according to the Western calendar for the second consecutive year, Russia launched a series of heavy missile and drone attacks across several cities in Ukraine. The most affected city was Kharkiv, where local authorities reported multiple ballistic missile strikes, resulting in injuries to at least six individuals. Explosions were also documented in Dnipro, Kremenchuk, Kryvyi Rih, and Ivano-Frankivsk, further escalating the ongoing conflict.
The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that Russian strategic bombers had taken off, leading to the launch of Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea. This assault followed a prior attack on Christmas Eve, which had already claimed one life and injured 15 others in Kryvyi Rih. Andriy Yermak, head of the presidential administration, condemned the attacks, stating, "Russians are murderers," and highlighting the disregard for human life shown by the Russian forces.
Targeting Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure
The missile strikes on Christmas Day specifically targeted Ukraine's energy sector, causing significant damage to the thermal power plants operated by DTEK, the country's largest energy company. This marked the 13th major attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure in 2024 alone. Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko reported that the national electricity company, Ukrenergo, had to implement supply restrictions to mitigate the impact of the attacks on the energy system. The ongoing bombardments have severely compromised Ukraine's electricity grid, leading to frequent power outages since the onset of the war in February 2022.
President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, emphasizing unity among Ukrainians during this challenging time and expressing hope for peace despite the attacks. He remarked, "Christmas unites all Ukrainians," and called for solidarity against the aggressions faced by the country.
Broader Context of the Conflict
The Christmas attacks come amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions, with Russian President Vladimir Putin vowing to increase destruction in response to Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian territory. On the same day, the Russian Defense Ministry reported intercepting 59 Ukrainian drones, underscoring the ongoing hostilities between the two nations. The attacks on Christmas not only disrupted holiday celebrations but also served as a stark reminder of the persistent violence and instability in the region, as Ukraine continues to navigate its path towards alignment with Western traditions and values.
