On Christmas Day Russia carried out 13th attack on energy sector of Ukraine this year: at least four civilians killed

As millions of Ukrainians celebrate Christmas Day, Russia has launched a large-scale attack – from Russian ballistic and cruise missiles – on the country’s energy infrastructure, BBC News reports. 

Emergency services dealing with the aftermath of this morning’s airstrikes in Kharkiv

Ukraine’s air force said it detected 184 missiles and drones. 55 cruise missiles, four guided missiles, and 54 drones were destroyed. The areas with energy facilities attacked include Kharkiv, Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Zhytomyr, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Zaporizhia. There are power cuts and planned outages across the country, including in parts of Kyiv. 

The Ukraine Air Force also confirms there have been casualties as a result of the attack, although it does not say how many.

According to local officials and Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne, at least four people have been killed by the recent Russian strikes in the areas of Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Kharkiv.

“Every Russian massive strike takes time to prepare. It is never a spontaneous decision. It is a conscious choice not only of targets, but also of time and date. Today, Putin deliberately chose Christmas for an attack. What could be more inhumane?” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelesnkyy said. In September 2024, Zelenskyy stated that 80% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure had been destroyed by Russian bombs. Since then, there’s been no let-up in the shelling.

An administrative building had been hit and windows shattered in a nine-storey building in the city of Dnipro, along with damage to infrastructure

Mayor of Ukraine’s second-biggest city, Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov said that 12 missiles were launched at the city, targeting energy facilities such as boiler houses and power plants. As a result, a large part of Kharkiv is currently without heating. According to the Kharkiv mayor, as of 13:48 local time, damage to 74 buildings had been recorded from today’s attacks.

Oleg Sinegubov, head of Kharkiv’s regional administration, reports that 500,000 people in the Kharkiv area are without electricity. Also, 520,000 people are without heating and water. The official also says a 53-year-old woman died in Kharkiv due to “enemy mortar fire”.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence said its forces “carried out a massive strike with long-range precision weapons and strike drones on critical energy infrastructure facilities in Ukraine that ensure the operation of the military-industrial complex”.

“The strike’s goal was achieved. All facilities were hit,” it added.

Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha describeed the strikes as “Christmas terror” and said it’s Vladimir Putin’s answer to those who talked about the “illusionary” Christmas ceasefire and, namely Hungary. He also claims that a Russian missile went through Moldovan and Romanian airspace – “reminding that Russia threatens not only Ukraine”.

President Zelensky has said Ukraine urgently needs 10-12 additional “Patriot” air defence systems in order to keep its cities – and its power grid – safe from Russian attacks.

A NATO member Romania reported it did not detect a missile in its airspace. Moldovan President Maia Sandu confirmed that a Russian missile violated Moldova’s airspace on the night of December 24. Ukraine’s Air Force reported at 07:24 on December 25 that a cruise missile was flying “in the direction of Chernivtsi from the territory of Moldova”.

Previously, a joint research by Physicians for Human Rights and Truth Hounds revealed the consequences of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, documenting how systematic strikes have reduced available power capacity by 85% and severely compromised healthcare delivery in the country.