Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday condemned Russia for carrying out a missile and drone attack on Christmas Day, killing one person and causing widespread power outages. The assault targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leaving parts of the country in darkness.

 

The attack began early in the morning when air raid sirens sounded at 5:30 am (0330 GMT), followed by reports of Russian Kalibr cruise missiles launched from the Black Sea.

 

"Putin deliberately chose Christmas to strike. What could be more inhumane?" Zelensky said. He reported over 170 projectiles, including 70 missiles and more than 100 drones, aimed at crippling Ukraine’s energy system.

 

This marked the 13th large-scale assault on Ukraine’s power grid this year, continuing Russia’s winter offensive against critical infrastructure.

 

Ukrainian officials claimed that one missile flew through Moldovan and Romanian airspace, prompting Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga to condemn Russia’s "Christmas terror." Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine’s air defense systems intercepted more than 50 missiles but acknowledged some strikes hit their targets, causing outages in several regions.

 

Ukraine’s energy provider DTEK reported extensive damage to thermal power plants, with CEO Maxim Timchenko calling the attack "depraved" and appealing to allies for more air defense systems.