Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned a Christmas Day missile attack by Russia that killed one person and severely damaged the country’s power grid, calling it “inhuman.”
Russia launched over 170 missiles and drones early Wednesday, causing widespread blackouts across Ukraine. The assault began at 5:30 a.m. (0330 GMT) with air raid alarms, followed by reports of Kalibr cruise missiles fired from the Black Sea.
“Putin deliberately chose Christmas to attack. What could be more inhumane? More than 70 missiles, including ballistic ones, and over a hundred attack drones targeted our energy system,” Zelensky said.
The strike marked the 13th large-scale attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure this year, continuing Russia’s winter campaign against the power grid.
One missile reportedly passed through Moldovan and Romanian airspace, prompting Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga to label the assault “Christmas terror.”
Ukraine’s air force intercepted over 50 missiles, but some still hit critical targets. President Zelensky acknowledged blackouts in several regions and said engineers were working to restore power.
The DTEK energy company confirmed significant damage to thermal power plant equipment. “Denying light and warmth to millions during Christmas is a depraved act that must be addressed,” said DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko, urging allies to provide additional air defense systems.
The Dnipropetrovsk region was among the hardest hit, with Governor Sergiy Lysak reporting Russia’s deliberate targeting of the area’s power infrastructure. One person was killed, and multiple injuries were reported in Kryvyi Rig after a missile strike the day before.
In Kharkiv, Russia launched 12 missiles targeting boiler houses, thermal plants, and power facilities. Four people were injured, and heating was disrupted in parts of the city, according to Mayor Igor Terekhov.
As Ukraine marked its second year of officially celebrating Christmas on December 25—a move away from the January 7 Orthodox tradition shared with Russia—regional leaders and officials expressed outrage.
“Christmas morning has once again shown that nothing is sacred to the aggressor country,” said Svitlana Onyshchuk, head of the Ivano-Frankivsk region.
Despite the devastation, President Zelensky expressed gratitude to Ukraine’s defenders and vowed resilience. “Russian evil will not break Ukraine or ruin Christmas,” he said.
