On the night of December 24-25, 2024, Ukrainians faced another wave of Russian drone and missile strikes targeting the country’s energy infrastructure. The attacks, which continued into Christmas Day morning, caused significant disruptions to the power supply. Ukraine’s Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, warned of immediate power cuts, urging citizens to stay in shelters while efforts were made to restore power. Ukrainian officials reported that while many missiles and drones were intercepted, some strikes succeeded in damaging the energy grid.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the Russian attacks, calling them a deliberate act of cruelty by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy emphasized that these attacks were not random but strategically planned, choosing Christmas as the time to strike. He described the attacks as an attempt to create widespread power outages across Ukraine. Over 70 missiles and 100 drones were launched, with Zelenskyy noting that Ukrainian forces managed to shoot down a significant number of these missiles and drones.
Russian Drone and Missile Strikes Target Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure on Christmas, Power Outages Reported
The strikes on Ukraine’s energy sector were part of a continued Russian effort to cripple the nation’s infrastructure. Energy Minister Galushchenko confirmed that grid operators had to implement power consumption restrictions to minimize the damage and prevent a total collapse of the energy system. He reassured the public that repair work would continue as soon as the security situation allowed. The authorities also advised people to remain in shelters during the ongoing threat.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also condemned the Christmas Day attacks, framing them as a response to discussions of a potential ceasefire. He pointed out the dangerous nature of the attacks, including a Russian missile that crossed through Moldovan and Romanian airspace, highlighting the broader regional threat posed by Russia. The missile’s trajectory underscored the risks not only to Ukraine but also to its neighboring countries, adding a layer of international concern to the escalation.
Despite the ongoing violence, this Christmas marked the second year that Ukraine officially celebrated Christmas on December 25, aligning with many Western Christian traditions rather than the Orthodox calendar traditionally followed in Russia. Zelenskyy used the occasion to emphasize unity among Ukrainians, stating that despite the war and the challenges they face, the nation stands together. He expressed hope and resilience, declaring that as long as Ukrainians remain united, evil has no chance of triumphing.
