Russia carried out a massive attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Christmas Day, with President Volodymyr Zelensky condemning it as “inhumane.” This was the 13th large-scale assault on Ukraine’s power grid in 2023, leaving the country struggling to maintain energy supplies during its third winter at war, according to DTEK, Ukraine’s largest energy provider.
Devastating Impact on Civilians
The strikes caused widespread destruction across Ukraine, claiming lives and disrupting essential services. In the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, at least one person was killed, and six were injured in Kharkiv, just 20 miles from the Russian border. Regional governor Oleh Syniehubov reported that seven missile strikes damaged residential buildings and infrastructure.
Half a million households in Kharkiv are now without heating, with temperatures plunging to 3°C (37°F). To stabilize the grid, rolling blackouts have been imposed in Kyiv and other regions.
Retaliation and Escalation
Ukrainian forces responded by attacking a Russian command post in Lgov, located in Russia’s Kursk region, where Kyiv had launched a surprise offensive earlier in the year. Local authorities reported four fatalities and five injuries in the strike, including one person in critical condition.
Meanwhile, in North Ossetia-Alania, a drone reportedly shot down by Russian air defenses caused an explosion and fire in a shopping center in Vladikavkaz, resulting in one death.
A Holiday Marred by Violence
This year marked a significant cultural shift for Ukraine, as many citizens celebrated Christmas on December 25 instead of January 7, following a 2022 law signed by Zelensky to align with European traditions and distance from Russian Orthodox practices. However, Russia’s Christmas Day assault sent a chilling message.
“Every massive Russian strike is a deliberate choice—not just of targets but also of timing,” Zelensky stated. “Putin chose Christmas to attack. What could be more inhumane?”
The attack involved over 70 missiles, including ballistic ones, and more than 100 drones targeting Ukraine’s energy sector. Although Ukrainian forces intercepted more than 50 missiles and numerous drones, significant damage was still inflicted.
Severe Damage to Ukraine’s Energy Sector
DTEK reported that its thermal power plants suffered extensive damage, with facilities shelled over 200 times since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Emergency blackouts have been implemented across several regions as repair efforts continue.
Ukraine’s energy minister, German Halushchenko, called the strikes a deliberate attempt to cripple the nation’s infrastructure, emphasizing the growing toll on the energy sector.
International Outcry
The attacks drew condemnation from Ukraine’s allies. Moldova’s president, Maia Sandu, criticized the Kremlin for its destructive actions, including a missile that reportedly crossed Moldovan airspace. “While our countries celebrate Christmas, the Kremlin chooses destruction,” she said.
Poland also scrambled fighter jets in response to a perceived missile threat near western Ukraine.
Continuing Tragedy
The Christmas Day assault followed a deadly strike on Kryvyi Rih, Zelensky’s hometown, on Christmas Eve, which killed one person and injured 17 others. As Ukraine endures relentless attacks, the resilience of its people and the support of its international allies remain critical in facing this ongoing crisis.
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