Ukraine Faces Massive Russian Attack on Energy During Christmas

This Christmas morning, Ukraine woke up to a harsh reality. Russia unleashed a wave of missiles and drones targeting the country's energy infrastructure. The attack was so massive that it included 78 missiles and 106 drones, according to Ukraine's air force. The strikes hit several regions, including Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Poltava. Ukraine claims to have intercepted many of these threats, but the assault has caused significant disruption. Power outages have been reported in various cities, including Kyiv. The timing of the attack has sparked controversy. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the move, stating that it was inhumane to target energy sources during a holiday. Meanwhile, Russia faces criticism for the fallout of its own defenses. A drone hit in Vladikavkaz, Russia, resulted in one death and three injuries. The impact on Ukraine is substantial. In the Dnipro region, one person died, and heating was disrupted in 155 residential buildings. In the Kharkiv region, 500, 000 people are without heat. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko noted that preemptive power outages were initiated across the country to manage the damage. The attack is not new. Russia has been targeting Ukraine's energy grid for some time now. This is the 13th attack on the power grid this year alone. The private energy company DTEK reported that one of their thermal power plants was struck. Critics argue that this strategy aims to leave millions of people without light and warmth during the cold winter months. The events have raised concerns about the escalation of the conflict and the humanitarian impact. As people seek shelter in metro stations and other safe places, the need for international support becomes more pressing.