**Russian Missile Attack Hits Ukraine on Christmas Morning**
On December 25, Russian forces launched a massive missile and drone assault against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and civilian areas. The attack caused widespread destruction and injuries.
The strikes began early in the morning and targeted multiple regions. At least six civilians were injured by the missile strikes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia launched over 70 missiles and some 100 drones, with air defenses intercepting some 50 missiles and most of the drones.
**Key Regions Affected**
The attack hit several key regions:
* Kharkiv Oblast: At least seven strikes were recorded, targeting Saltivka, Kyivskyi, and Nemishlianskyi districts. Six people were injured, and fires broke out in non-residential buildings.
* Dnipropetrovsk Oblast: Explosions were reported in Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Samara, and Kamianske. Water and electricity supplies were disrupted in some areas.
* Poltava Oblast: Ballistic missiles targeted Kremenchuk, and explosions were heard in the region.
* Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast: Air defense systems intercepted multiple threats, but no direct hits were reported. Residents experienced sporadic blackouts.
* Vinnytsia Oblast: Damage was reported to energy infrastructure, but power was restored by morning. No injuries were reported.
* Kyiv: Power outages were reported in several neighborhoods. Enemy explosive drones were detected heading toward the city.
**Damage to Energy Infrastructure**
DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, reported severe damage to multiple thermal power plants. This marked the 13th massive attack on Ukraine’s energy sector this year and the 10th targeting DTEK facilities specifically.
Ukrenergo introduced emergency blackouts nationwide to stabilize the grid. Repair crews began restoration efforts immediately, but Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko cautioned that the extent of the damage would require time to address.
**Drones Put Additional Strain on Air Defenses**
Russia’s explosive drones launched late on December 24 continued targeting Ukrainian regions overnight. Air defense forces tracked Shahed drones in Kyiv, Chernihiv, Poltava, and other regions. By the time of publication, drones remained active, with air raid alerts ongoing nationwide.
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