Russia's Christmas Day missile attack on Ukraine: Zelenskyy calls the attack inhumane

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the missile and drone attacks carried out by Russia on Christmas Day, stating that the date was chosen deliberately.

 Zelenskyy described the attack as inhumane, noting that Russia launched a major offensive targeting his country's energy infrastructure.

The attack began with air raid sirens sounding across Ukraine at 05:30 in the morning.

Residents in the capital, Kyiv, sought shelter in subway stations to protect themselves from the strikes.

Zelenskyy assessed that not only the targets but also the timing of the attack were a deliberate choice. "Preparing for major attacks takes time. This is never a sudden decision. Not only the targets but also the timing and date (of this attack) were a conscious choice," said Zelenskyy, pointing out the symbolic significance of the attack taking place on Christmas Day.

During the attacks, Russia used more than 70 missiles and over 100 drones to target Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

Zelenskyy announced that more than 50 missiles and drones were shot down by Ukrainian air defense systems, while reporting that power outages occurred in some regions. Ukraine stated that it is continuing efforts to restore energy supply as quickly as possible.

DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy company, announced that this was the 13th major attack carried out against Ukraine throughout the year. 

In Kharkiv, at least six people were reported injured. Kharkiv Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said that fires broke out in buildings hit by missiles and that a drone caused damage to a house.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha claimed that Russia not only threatened Ukraine but also sent missiles into the airspace of Moldova and Romania.

NATO member Romania, however, announced that no detection of missile transit through its airspace had been made.

News Source: 12punto