Zelensky condemns ‘inhumane’ Russian Christmas Day attack

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia made a “conscious decision” to launch a major attack on his country’s energy infrastructure on Christmas Day.

Ukraine’s air force said it had detected 184 missiles and drones, but many were shot down or missed their targets.

He said there were victims from the attacks but did not give figures.

Moscow confirmed the attack and said its objective had been achieved.

The attack caused power outages across the country, including the capital kyiv, where some residents took shelter in metro stations.

Russia’s defense confirmed its forces had carried out a “massive attack” on “critical” energy facilities in Ukraine.

He added that the attack was a success and all objectives were achieved.

This was 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 that 80% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure had been destroyed by Russian bombs.

In response to Wednesday’s attacks, Zelensky said the timing of the attacks had been a “conscious choice.”

He called them “inhumane” and said work was being done to restore power as soon as possible.

“Russian evil will not destroy Ukraine or distort Christmas,” he added.

This is the second time that Ukraine celebrates Christmas Day on December 25. It traditionally followed the Julian calendar, like Russia, where Christmas falls on January 7.

In the northeastern city of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest, the attack left half a million people without water, electricity or heat in extremely cold temperatures, the regional governor said.

Ukrainians across the country woke up to the sound of air raid alarms and were told to take shelter as the morning attacks unfolded.

kyiv residents took shelter in metro stations, and one local told Reuters news agency she felt angry and scared.

“Of course, I want to be at home and celebrate, but we had to take shelter because it’s scary to stay at home,” Sofia Lytvynenko said.

Another kyiv resident, Oleksandra, said that despite the attack, “Christmas has not been cancelled.”

He told Reuters he planned to enjoy traditional Ukrainian food and drink with family and friends after it is safe to leave the shelter.

Ukraine’s state power company, Ukrenergo, warned Ukrainians that power outages could last at least until the end of the day.

It has imposed usage restrictions while it attempts to restore service.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the attacks as “Christmas terror.”

He said a Russian missile crossed Moldovan and Romanian airspace “reminding that Russia threatens not only Ukraine.”

Moldovan President Maia Sandu condemned the attack and confirmed that a missile was detected in the country’s airspace.

Romania said it did not detect any missiles in its airspace.

Elsewhere, four people were killed and five others wounded by Ukrainian shelling in Russia’s Kursk region, according to the region’s acting governor.