There are power outages in several regions in Ukraine as a result of the massive Russian air attack launched earlier in the day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported in "Ex", quoted by BTA.
He said that on Christmas Day, Ukraine was attacked by more than 70 missiles, including ballistic missiles, as well as 100 drones, aimed at the country's energy infrastructure. “Today, Putin deliberately chose Christmas for an attack. What could be more inhumane?“ Zelensky wrote in an English-language publication.
“According to preliminary data“ Ukrainian forces managed to shoot down more than 50 missiles and a "significant number of drones," Zelensky said. "Unfortunately, there were hits," he added. "Currently, there are power outages in several regions. Energy workers are working to restore power as soon as possible," he wrote.
Several people were injured in the "massive" airstrike.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russian Tu-95MS fighter jets fired multiple cruise missiles at Ukraine over the Black Sea. According to authorities, at least four people were injured in the northeastern city of Kharkiv amid heavy rocket fire.
Due to the ongoing attacks in Ukraine, measures have been taken to limit electricity consumption, Ukrinform reported, citing the operator of the power grid "Ukrenergo".
Meanwhile, fierce fighting is also reported for the strategically important city of Pokrovsk, in eastern Ukraine. The General Staff of the Ukrainian forces reported in its report this evening that 35 Russian attacks were registered around the city during the day.
US President Joe Biden has asked the Pentagon to continue its active arms deliveries to Ukraine and condemned the attack on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure carried out by Russia on Christmas Day, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
"The purpose of this outrageous attack was to cut off the Ukrainian people's access to heating and electricity during the winter and to threaten the security of the grid," Biden said in a statement. Republican President-elect Donald Trump will replace Democrat Biden on January 20.
Kiev said that on Wednesday Russia attacked Ukrainian energy facilities and several cities with cruise and ballistic missiles and drones.
Since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Washington has provided Ukraine with $175 billion in aid.
Ukrainian poet and writer Oleksiy Bezpaltsev has been killed on the front line in Ukraine, Ukrinform reported, quoted by BTA, citing a post on “Facebook" of the cultural and human rights organization “PEN Ukraine“.
34-year-old Bezpaltsev died during a combat mission in the Kharkiv region. He served in the sector around Pokrovsk for a year, after which he was deployed to the sector around Kupyansk.
Known for his moving and emotional performances, Bezpaltsev was a prominent poet and writer working in the city of Kharkiv. He published two collections of short stories and was an active participant in poetry competitions.
The literary news website “Chitmo“ noted that Bezpaltsev died a few days ago.