Russia accused of ‘state-sponsored terrorism’ with huge attack on Ukraine’s energy targets on Christmas Day
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Russia confirmed it fired more than 70 missiles at Ukraine on Christmas Day. A large-scale Russian missile and drone attack targeting Ukraine’s energy system on Christmas Day has been condemned as “inhumane” by president Volodymyr Zelensky. Half a million people were left without heating in Kharkiv in temperatures just a few degrees above freezing, as blackouts were reported in Kyiv and other regions.
![[Rescuers evacuate a local resident from a residential building heavily damaged during a Russian missile attack on Christmas Eve]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/25/07/2024-12-24T183349Z_1148333738_RC2UVBAE17E8_RTRMADP_3_UKRAINE-CRISIS-ATTACK-KRYVYI-RIH.jpg)
At least one person was killed and six others wounded in the attack, described by one Ukrainian energy chief as Vladimir Putin’s “state-sponsored terrorism”. The massive attack came as Ukraine officially celebrated Christmas on 25 December for only the second time, in a move to reduce the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church, which celebrates on 7 January.
![[Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky accused Vladimir Putin of deliberately choosing Christmas Day to launch the mass attack]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/24/04/11785813.jpg)
The Ukrainian president said more than 70 missiles, including ballistic missiles, and over 100 attack drones were used to strike Ukraine’s power sources. Nearly 60 missiles and 54 drones were shot down, according to Kyiv’s air force. Follow our blog for the latest updates.
![[Policemen of Ukraine’s 'Khyzhak' Brigade prepare to fire a mortar towards Russian troops]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/24/02/2024-12-23T102207Z_772311272_RC2TSBAD856R_RTRMADP_3_UKRAINE-CRISIS-EAST-FRONTLINE.jpg)
“Every massive Russian strike requires time for preparation. It is never a spontaneous decision. It is a deliberate choice – not only of targets but also of timing and date. Putin deliberately chose Christmas for an attack. What could be more inhumane?” Mr Zelensky said.
“The targets are our energy infrastructure. They continue to fight for a blackout in Ukraine.”. Having spent Christmas Eve near the battlefields of the Kharkiv Region reporting on Ukrainian drone operators destroying Russian military targets, The Independent’s Askold Krushelnycky described the attack.
