KYIV, Dec 25: On Christmas morning, Russia launched a significant missile strike targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, hitting a thermal power plant and forcing residents to seek shelter in metro stations.
Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko issued a statement on Facebook, warning that Russia has once again “massively attacked energy infrastructure.” The Ukrainian Air Force reported multiple missiles aimed at the Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Poltava regions in the eastern part of the country.
“The electricity distribution operator is taking necessary measures to limit consumption to reduce negative impacts on the power system,” he noted. “Once the security situation permits, energy workers will assess the damage.”
According to DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, a thermal power plant was hit by Russian strikes on Wednesday morning, marking the 13th assault on Ukraine’s power grid this year.
Maxim Timchenko, CEO of DTEK, condemned the attack on his X account, stating, “Denying light and warmth to millions of peaceful people during Christmas celebrations is a depraved and evil act that must be met with a response.”
In response to the “massive missile attack,” state energy operator Ukrenergo implemented preemptive power outages, resulting in blackouts in several districts of Kyiv.
Kharkiv suffered at least seven strikes, igniting fires throughout the city, as reported by regional head Oleh Syniehubov on Telegram. Local authorities confirmed that at least three individuals were injured.
“Kharkiv is under heavy missile fire. Explosions have been heard in the city, and ballistic missiles continue to fly towards it. Please stay in safe locations,” warned Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov. (AP)
