Russia launched an intense attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Christmas Day, with explosions reported across the country, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to the sources of Leaders team, this marks the thirteenth significant assault on Ukraine’s power grid this year, leaving the country’s energy sector in a fragile state as the war grinds into its third winter. Ukraine’s largest energy provider, DTEK, confirmed the repeated targeting of its facilities.
At least one person lost their life in the Dnipropetrovsk region, while six others were injured in Kharkiv, located less than 20 miles from the Russian border. Local authorities reported that residential buildings and civilian infrastructure were among the damaged sites. Seven missile strikes were confirmed in Kharkiv by the regional governor, Oleh Syniehubov.
In the Kharkiv region, 500,000 households have been left without heating as temperatures hover around 3°C (37°F). Kyiv authorities have implemented rolling blackouts to stabilize the national grid, according to DTEK.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces carried out an attack on a Russian command post in Lgov, Kursk region, during the night. Four individuals were killed, and five others were hospitalized, including one in critical condition, according to reports from Russian authorities.
In North Ossetia-Alania, Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported that debris from a drone intercepted by air defenses caused an explosion and fire at a shopping center in Vladikavkaz, resulting in one fatality.
Religious Significance and the Attack’s Timing
As per the reports of the Leaders team, this year’s attack coincided with Christmas celebrations in Ukraine. Until 2023, many Ukrainians traditionally marked Christmas on January 7 following the Julian calendar. However, President Zelensky signed a law changing the date to December 25, aligning with much of Europe and distancing from the Russian Orthodox Church.
The holiday is now observed by Ukrainian Orthodox Christians, and Zelensky emphasized the calculated timing of the assault. “Every massive Russian strike requires preparation. It is a deliberate choice—not only of targets but also of timing and date,” he said. “Today, Putin deliberately chose Christmas for an attack. What could be more inhumane?”
Scale and Impact of the Attack
Russia launched over 70 missiles and more than 100 drones during the assault, targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Zelensky stated. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted more than 50 missiles and a significant number of drones. However, there were still blackouts in several regions due to the damage.
DTEK reported severe damage to equipment at its thermal power plants, with facilities shelled over 200 times since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Ukrainian Energy Minister German Halushchenko confirmed that emergency blackouts were imposed in multiple areas as a result of the strikes.
International Concerns
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, highlighted that a Russian missile traversed Moldovan and Romanian airspace, underscoring the broader threat posed by Russia. Moldova’s President Maia Sandu condemned the violations, expressing solidarity with Ukraine. Romania’s Ministry of National Defense stated it could not confirm whether its airspace had been breached.
Poland responded to the missile threat in western Ukraine by scrambling fighter jets, reflecting growing concerns in neighboring countries.
This latest assault follows a deadly strike on Christmas Eve in Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of President Zelensky. A residential building was hit, resulting in one death and 17 injuries.
As Ukraine faces a harsh winter under the shadow of war, the resilience of its people and the strain on its infrastructure remain defining challenges.
