**Russia Attacks Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure on Christmas Day**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia made a “conscious choice” by launching a major attack on his country’s energy infrastructure on Christmas Day. The attack caused power cuts across the country, including in the capital Kyiv.
**Attack Details**
Ukraine’s air force said it detected 184 missiles and drones, but many were shot down or missed their targets. There were casualties from the strikes, but no figures were given. Russia confirmed the attack and said its goal had been achieved. The attack was the 13th major one on Ukraine’s energy sector this year.
**Effects of the Attack**
The power cuts left half a million people in the north-eastern city of Kharkiv without water, electricity or heating in bitterly cold temperatures. Ukrainians across the country woke to sound of air raid alarms and were told to shelter as the attacks unfolded in the morning. Kyiv residents sheltered in metro stations.
**Reactions**
Ukrainian President Zelensky called the attack “inhumane” and said work was being done to restore power as soon as possible. He also said that Russian evil would not break Ukraine and would not distort Christmas. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the strikes as “Christmas terror”.
**International Reactions**
Moldovan President Maia Sandu condemned the strike and confirmed that a missile was detected in Moldova’s airspace. Romania did not detect a missile in its airspace, but said it stood by Ukraine.