ReutersUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia made a “conscious decision” when it launched a major attack on his country’s energy infrastructure on Christmas Day.
The Ukrainian Air Force said it detected 184 missiles and drones, but many were shot down or missed their targets.
It said there were casualties from the attacks, but no numbers were given.
Moscow confirmed the attack and said the goal had been achieved.
The attack led to power outages across the country, including in the capital Kiev, where some residents sought refuge in subway stations.
Russia’s defense confirmed that its forces had carried out a “massive attack” on “critical” energy facilities in Ukraine.
The attack was a success and all targets were hit, it said.
This is the 13th major attack on Ukraine’s energy sector this year, the country’s largest private energy company DTEK said.
In September, President Zelensky said 80% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure had been destroyed by Russian bombs.
Responding to Wednesday’s attacks, Zelensky said the timing of the attacks was a “conscious decision.”
He called them “inhumane” and said work was underway to restore power as quickly as possible.
“Russian evil will not destroy Ukraine and will not distort Christmas,” he added.
This is the second time Ukraine celebrates Christmas Day on December 25th. Traditionally it followed the Julian calendar, like in Russia, where Christmas falls on January 7th.
ReutersIn the northeastern city of Kharkiv – Ukraine’s second-largest city – the attack left half a million people without water, electricity or heating in bitterly cold temperatures, the regional governor said.
Ukrainians across the country were awakened by the air alert and had to seek shelter as the attacks unfolded in the morning.
Kiev residents sought shelter in subway stations, with one local woman telling Reuters she was angry and scared.
“Of course I want to be home and party, but we had to shelter in place because staying home is scary,” Sofiia Lytvynenko said.
Another Kiev resident, Oleksandra, said that despite the attack, “Christmas is not canceled.”
She told Reuters that she planned to enjoy traditional Ukrainian food and drinks with family and friends after it was safe to leave the shelter.
Ukraine’s state power utility Ukrenergo warned Ukrainians that power outages could last at least until the end of the day.
Usage restrictions were imposed while service was restored.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the attacks as “Christmas terror.”
He said a Russian missile had flown through Moldovan and Romanian airspace, “reminding that Russia doesn’t just threaten Ukraine.”
Moldova’s President Maia Sandu condemned the attack and confirmed that a missile had been detected in the country’s airspace.
Romania said it had not detected any missiles in its airspace.
Four people were killed and five others injured by Ukrainian shelling in Russia’s Kursk region, according to the region’s acting governor.
