Zelensky Calls Putin ‘Inhumane’ Amid Russian Strikes on Christmas Day

On Christmas Day, Russian forces launched a relentless attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leaving millions in the cold and dark during freezing winter temperatures. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assault, labeling it “inhumane” and accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of deliberately targeting civilians on a day of global peace and celebration.

The strikes, which included over 70 missiles—comprising cruise, ballistic missiles—and more than 100 drones, wreaked havoc across Ukraine. In Kharkiv, at least six people were injured, while a fatality was reported in the Dnipropetrovsk region. The attacks left approximately 500,000 people in the Kharkiv region without heating, as temperatures hovered just above freezing. Kyiv, the capital, also experienced significant blackouts, disrupting daily life for its residents.

President Zelensky expressed his outrage in a televised address, stating, “Today, Putin deliberately chose Christmas to attack. What could be more inhumane? They are waging a war to plunge Ukraine into darkness.” Despite the devastating scale of the offensive, Ukraine’s air force successfully intercepted 59 missiles and 54 drones, averting further destruction.

Russia’s Defence Ministry acknowledged the assault, describing it as a “massive strike” on energy facilities that it claimed supported Ukraine’s military-industrial complex. Since spring, Moscow has intensified its campaign against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, damaging nearly half of the country’s power-generating capacity and causing recurring blackouts.

Kharkiv Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported on Telegram that civilian infrastructure had sustained significant damage, although he refrained from detailing specifics. In Dnipropetrovsk, Governor Serhiy Lysak confirmed the region’s power systems had been a primary target, with one fatality recorded. “Since the morning, the Russian army has been attacking the Dnipro region in a bid to destroy its power infrastructure,” Lysak added.

Ukraine’s Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, highlighted the widespread impact of the attacks, announcing restrictions on electricity supply across affected areas. “Russia is continuing its campaign of massive strikes on our power sector, leaving millions vulnerable in the cold,” he stated in a Facebook post.

As Ukraine approaches three years of war, the deliberate targeting of critical energy systems highlights Russia’s strategy of inflicting prolonged suffering on the civilian population. Despite the relentless aggression, Ukraine continues to demonstrate resilience, with its forces working tirelessly to safeguard critical infrastructure and restore essential services.