BBC News - Ukraine's President Zelensky condemns Russia's 'inhumane' Christmas Day attack | BBC News
President Zelinski condemned Russia's missile and drone attacks on Ukraine's energy system on Christmas Day, describing them as inhumane and a deliberate choice to attack during the holiday. Over 70 missiles and 100 drones were launched, with Ukraine's Air Force successfully downing 59 missiles and more than half of the drones. Despite these efforts, civilian infrastructure was damaged, and at least three people were injured in the northeast region. The attacks are part of Russia's intensified campaign against Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which has been ongoing for months. Ukrainian repair crews are working to fix the damage, but power outages are expected across the country, affecting half a million people in the Kharkiv region. President Zelinski vowed to restore the power grid and praised those defending Ukraine's skies, asserting that Russian aggression would not break Ukraine or ruin Christmas.
Key Points:
- Russia launched over 70 missiles and 100 drones targeting Ukraine's energy system on Christmas Day.
- Ukraine's Air Force downed 59 missiles and over half of the drones, minimizing damage.
- The attacks resulted in injuries and damage to civilian infrastructure, particularly in the northeast.
- Ukraine faces ongoing power outages, with repair crews working to restore the grid.
- President Zelinski remains defiant, promising to restore power and thanking air defense forces.
Details:
1. 🎄 Christmas Day Missile Strikes
1.1. Condemnation by President Zelensky
1.2. Details of the Missile and Drone Attacks
2. 🚀 Ukraine's Defense and Energy Challenges
2.1. Ukraine's Defense Capabilities
2.2. Energy System Challenges
3. 🔧 Repair and Recovery Efforts
- On Christmas morning, Ukrainians faced significant disruptions due to a large-scale attack involving cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones targeting energy infrastructure.
- Ukrainian energy providers are actively deploying repair crews to address the damage caused by the attacks.
- Repair crews are facing challenges such as harsh weather conditions and the need for rapid response to restore power to affected areas.
- Efforts are focused on both immediate repairs to restore essential services and planning for long-term infrastructure resilience.
4. 💪 Resilience and Resolve
- Hourly power outages are expected across the country, affecting half a million people in the Harv region in the East, highlighting the widespread impact on daily life.
- President Zelensky vowed to restore the power grid and expressed gratitude to those protecting Ukraine's skies, emphasizing leadership and commitment.
- Zelensky stated that Russian attacks would not break Ukraine or spoil Christmas, underscoring national resilience and morale.
- Ukrainian cities face daily attacks by drones and missiles, with this particular attack being large-scale and occurring on Christmas morning, illustrating the ongoing threat and challenges faced by the nation.