**Russia Launches Major Attack on Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure**
On Christmas Day, Russia launched a major attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this was a “conscious choice” made by Russia.
The Ukrainian air force 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.
**Power Cuts Across Ukraine**
The attack led to power cuts across the country, including in the capital Kyiv. Some residents sheltered in metro stations. Russia confirmed the attack and said its goal had been achieved.
**US Condemns Russian Attacks**
US President Joe Biden condemned the attacks, saying they were an attempt to cut off Ukrainian people’s access to heat and electricity during winter. He also asked the US defence department to continue delivering weapons to Ukraine.
**Ukraine’s Energy Sector Under Attack**
This was the 13th major attack on Ukraine’s energy sector this year. The country’s largest private energy company, DTEK, said that most of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure had been destroyed by Russian bombs in September.
**Restoring Power and Services**
The Ukrainian government is working to restore power as soon as possible. President Zelensky called the attacks “inhumane” and said they would not break Ukraine or distort Christmas.
**Regional Impact**
In Kharkiv, a city in north–eastern Ukraine, half a million people were left without water, electricity, or heating due to the attack. Air raid alarms sounded across the country as Ukrainians took shelter during the morning attacks.
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