On Christmas Day, the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv was the target of violent Russian missile attacks, causing considerable damage to energy infrastructure and injuring several civilians. Despite the holiday break, the conflict knows no respite…
On this Christmas Day, while many aspire to peace and contemplation, the war in Ukraine unfortunately knows no respite. The eastern city of Kharkiv was the target of intense Russian bombardment on Wednesday morning, causing significant damage and injuring several civilians.
A rain of missiles falls on Kharkiv
According to local sources, a series of explosions shook Ukraine's second largest city in the early hours of the day. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that a “massive missile attack” was underway, urging residents to stay safe. The authorities reportat least seven distinct keystrokes having affected the city.
These attacks mainly targeted critical energy infrastructureinflicting significant damage. “The enemy is trying to destroy the region's electricity grid,” said regional governor Oleg Synegubov. Electricity supply restrictions had to be put in place to limit the impact on the energy system already weakened by months of bombing.
The human toll of the strikes
In addition to material damage, these attacks also caused civilian casualties. According to a first assessment, at least three people were injured by missile fire. Rescue teams are working to assist those affected and assess the extent of the damage.
As soon as safety conditions allow, energy sector workers will clarify the damage caused.German Galushchenko, Ukrainian Energy Minister
A Christmas under the bombs
These strikes come on the same day Ukraine celebrates Christmas December 25and no longer on January 7 as the Orthodox tradition requires. A change of date wanted by President Volodymyr Zelensky as a sign of defiance towards Russia. But despite this symbolic gesture, Ukrainians must once again face the harsh reality of war on this supposed day of peace.
Since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian energy infrastructure has been regularly targeted, causing numerous power outages across the country. As winter approaches, these attacks are exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and straining the resilience of the population.
The threat of new attacks
Unfortunately, there are fears that these bombings will not be the last. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently promised to intensify strikes on Ukraine in response to drone attacks targeting Russian territory. An escalation of violence which risks further increasing the human toll of this already devastating conflict.
Faced with this situation, the international community continues to strongly condemn Russian aggression and provide support to Ukraine. But in the immediate future, it is the civilians who are paying the heaviest price for this dragging out war. On this Christmas Day, the hope of lasting peace seems more than ever out of reach for the Ukrainian people.
Unfortunately, there are fears that these bombings will not be the last. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently promised to intensify strikes on Ukraine in response to drone attacks targeting Russian territory. An escalation of violence which risks further increasing the human toll of this already devastating conflict.
Faced with this situation, the international community continues to strongly condemn Russian aggression and provide support to Ukraine. But in the immediate future, it is the civilians who are paying the heaviest price for this dragging out war. On this Christmas Day, the hope of lasting peace seems more than ever out of reach for the Ukrainian people.
