Russia launched a massive attack on Wednesday, unleashing over 700 missiles and 100 drones in an “inhumane” assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The strikes, which took place on Christmas, caused extensive destruction, killed at least one person, and further crippled the war-torn country’s power grid.
In a statement on X, Zelenskyy accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of intentionally targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on a day of global celebration.
“Every massive Russian strike requires time for preparation. It is never a spontaneous decision. It is a deliberate choice – not only of targets but also of timing and date. Today, Putin deliberately chose Christmas for an attack. What could be more inhumane?” Zelenskyy wrote.
“More than 70 missiles, including ballistic missiles, and more than a hundred attack drones. The target is our energy system,” Ukrainian President added.
Air raid sirens sounded nationwide as Russian Kalibr cruise missiles were reportedly fired from the Black Sea.
The strikes mark another rise in ongoing tussle as Ukraine faces its most difficult winter since the war began nearly three years ago. Moscow has intensified its aerial bombardments while its forces push forward on the eastern frontlines.
The governor of Kherson reported one fatality and three injuries over the past 24 hours. In the Dnipropetrovsk region, where freezing temperatures have added to the challenges, Governor Sergiy Lysak warned of an ongoing assault on the region’s power grid.
“The enemy is trying to destroy the region’s power system,” Lysak wrote on Telegram, urging residents to stay safe during air alerts. After earlier attacks on Christmas Eve, a 43-year-old man was confirmed dead, with 17 others wounded.
The northeastern city of Kharkiv suffered heavy missile fire early Wednesday. Mayor Igor Terekhov described the bombardment as a “massive missile attack,” with explosions reverberating through the city and more ballistic missiles reportedly en route. The regional governor counted seven strikes and reported at least three injuries.
Since February 2022, Russian forces have repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leading to frequent power outages and escalating civilian suffering. November saw a particularly intense wave of attacks, with nearly 200 missiles and drones launched against Ukraine’s power grid.
Zelenskyy accused Russia of using cluster munitions in what he called a “despicable escalation.”
Ukraine has continued to urge its allies for more advanced air defense systems to protect its critical infrastructure. Recently, the United States approved the use of long-range missiles by Ukrainian forces, prompting strong warnings from Moscow.
Russia’s defence ministry claimed on Wednesday to have shot down 59 Ukrainian drones overnight. Moscow has also reported the capture of more than 190 Ukrainian settlements this year, while Kyiv struggles with dwindling manpower and ammunition supplies.
This renewed wave of attacks comes as the world awaits Donald Trump’s inauguration as US president in January. Trump has pledged to bring a swift end to the conflict but has not provided specifics on how peace would be achieved.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to endure continuous attacks and the harsh cold, as the war’s toll deepens on both sides.