On Christmas Day 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned a significant Russian missile and drone offensive against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, labeling the attacks as “inhumane.” Zelensky highlighted that Russia’s choice to launch this assault on a holiday was deliberate, aiming to disrupt the festive spirit and essential services for Ukrainians. The attack involved over 70 missiles, including ballistic ones, and more than 100 attack drones, targeting the nation’s power grid and causing widespread blackouts.
Zelensky emphasized the premeditated nature of these strikes, stating that such large-scale attacks require extensive planning, indicating a conscious decision to strike on Christmas. He noted that Ukrainian defenses managed to intercept over 50 of these missiles and a significant number of drones, yet the damage to infrastructure was considerable. The President’s remarks came amidst reports of one person killed and several others injured across various regions due to these attacks.
The Ukrainian leader’s comments were echoed by international figures, including US President Joe Biden, who condemned the “outrageous attack” and vowed to continue the surge of weapons deliveries to Ukraine. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also criticized the strikes, paying tribute to the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the leadership of Zelensky in the face of these assaults.
This incident marks the 13th major attack on Ukraine’s energy sector this year, exacerbating the challenges faced by Ukraine as it enters another winter under the shadow of conflict. The Ukrainian public and its defenders have shown resilience, with Zelensky asserting that “Russian evil will not break Ukraine and will not spoil Christmas.”
