Russia claims the Christmas Day strike on Ukraine was a success

Russia claims the Christmas Day strike on Ukraine was a success

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Russia made a “conscious choice” by executing a significant overnight assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Christmas Day.

Ukraine’s air force reported the detection of 184 missiles and drones, noting that a significant number were intercepted or failed to reach their intended targets.

Reports indicated that there were casualties resulting from the strikes; however, specific figures were not provided.

Moscow has officially acknowledged the attack, asserting its objectives have been met.

The assault resulted in widespread power outages throughout the nation, affecting the capital city of Kyiv, where numerous residents sought refuge in metro stations.

Russia’s defense ministry has confirmed that its military conducted a significant attack on essential energy infrastructure in Ukraine.

The report indicated that the strike was successful, with all designated targets being struck.

DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, reported that this marks the 13th significant assault on the nation’s energy infrastructure 2023.

In reaction to the recent Russian strikes, US President Joe Biden stated, “The purpose of this outrageous attack was to cut off the Ukrainian people’s access to heat and electricity during winter and to jeopardise the safety of its grid.”

As President Biden prepares to hand over the reins to Donald Trump on January 20, he has urged the US Department of Defense to maintain its support by continuing the delivery of weapons to Ukraine.

In a statement made in September, President Zelensky reported that Russian bombings had destroyed 80% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

In reaction to the attacks on Wednesday, Zelensky characterized the timing as a “conscious choice.”

He described the conditions as “inhumane” and indicated that efforts were underway to restore power immediately.

“The malevolence of Russia will not undermine Ukraine nor tarnish the spirit of Christmas,” he stated.

Ukraine has marked Christmas Day on December 25 for the second consecutive time. The tradition of celebrating Christmas on January 7 aligns with the Julian calendar, which is also observed in Russia.

Many Orthodox believers in the nation will continue to observe Christmas traditionally.

According to the regional head, in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city located in the northeast, an attack has resulted in half a million residents being deprived of water, electricity, and heating amid frigid temperatures.

As dawn broke, Ukrainians nationwide were jolted awake by the piercing sound of air raid alarms, prompting authorities to advise citizens to seek shelter amid the unfolding attacks.

Residents of Kyiv sought refuge in metro stations, with one local expressing her anger and fear in an interview with the Reuters news agency.

“I would love to be at home celebrating, but we had to seek shelter because it feels unsafe to remain there,” Sofiia Lytvynenko stated.

Oleksandra, a Kyiv resident, expressed that despite the recent attack, “Christmas is not canceled.”

She informed Reuters of her intention to savor traditional Ukrainian cuisine and beverages with family and friends once it is safe to emerge from the shelter.

Ukrenergo, Ukraine’s state-owned power company, has warned citizens that power outages may persist until the end of the day.

Usage restrictions have been implemented as efforts to restore service are underway.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha characterized the strikes as “Christmas terror.”

A Russian missile reportedly traversed Moldovan and Romanian airspace, highlighting the assertion that Russia poses a threat beyond Ukraine, according to his statement.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu has condemned the recent strike, confirming the detection of a missile within the nation’s airspace.

Romania has reported that it did not identify any missile activity within its airspace.

In a tragic incident, four individuals lost their lives, and five others sustained injuries due to Ukrainian shelling in the Kursk region of Russia, as reported by the acting governor of the area.

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