Leadnaija
On Christmas morning, Russia launched a large-scale missile barrage aimed at Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, striking key thermal power plants and triggering widespread power outages, according to a report by The Times of Israel.
The attack, which hit regions including Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Poltava in eastern Ukraine, prompted many Ukrainians to take shelter in metro stations as explosions rocked the areas…Tap Here to Read the Full Story ▶▶
Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko condemned the attack, stating on Facebook that Russia had once again “massively attacked energy infrastructure.“ According to Halushchenko, the missiles targeted crucial energy facilities, disrupting electricity supply to various regions. “The electricity distribution system operator takes the necessary measures to limit consumption to minimize negative consequences for the power system,” he wrote, adding that energy workers would begin assessing the damage as soon as security conditions permitted.
The missile strikes caused significant damage to Ukraine’s power grid. The country’s largest private energy company, DTEK, confirmed that one of their thermal power plants had been hit, marking the 13th attack on Ukraine’s power infrastructure since the start of the year. The company, along with state energy operator Ukrenergo, implemented preemptive power outages across the nation to protect the grid from further damage.
In Kyiv, the capital, several districts were left without power as a result of the missile attack. Ukrenergo’s preemptive shutdowns were aimed at mitigating the impact of the barrage, though the lack of power affected daily life for millions. As Ukrainian officials scrambled to restore electricity, the risk of further attacks remained high, with Russian forces continuing their efforts to cripple Ukraine’s energy systems.
The missile assault also targeted the city of Kharkiv, where at least seven strikes hit various locations, sparking multiple fires. Kharkiv’s regional head, Oleh Syniehubov, reported the explosions on Telegram and confirmed that at least three people had been injured in the attacks. The fires caused by the missile strikes created additional chaos in the region, complicating efforts to rescue those affected and to manage the aftermath of the attacks.
The Christmas Day missile barrage represents another chapter in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has seen frequent targeting of critical infrastructure. The attacks are part of Russia’s strategy to weaken Ukraine’s ability to function amidst the war, specifically by aiming to cripple its energy networks and essential services...Tap Here to Read the Full Story ▶▶
