A Bloody Christmas in Ukraine: Massive Russian Attacks on Cities
This Christmas brought devastating news for Ukraine as Russia launched significant missile strikes on its energy infrastructure and residential areas. The attacks, targeting cities like Kryvyi Rih and Kharkiv, highlight the relentless intensity of the nearly three-year-long conflict. While much of the world celebrated the holiday season, Ukrainians endured air raid sirens and destruction, a grim reminder of the ongoing war.
Ukraine’s Minister of Energy, German Galushchenko, reported widespread assaults on the energy sector. As temperatures plummet, these attacks threaten to plunge millions into darkness and cold, exacerbating the country’s toughest winter. To manage the crisis, Ukraine's transmission system operator has been implementing measures to limit energy consumption, attempting to preserve critical power amid repeated strikes.
In Kryvyi Rih, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's hometown, a ballistic missile hit a four-story residential building, destroying 32 apartments. The attack claimed one life and injured 15 others, including four in critical condition. The head of the city's military administration, Oleksandr Vilkul, described the horrific scene, with first responders struggling to rescue residents trapped under rubble.
Kharkiv, a major northeastern city, also suffered under a "massive missile attack," as described by Mayor Igor Terekhov. The city faced seven strikes, with casualties still being assessed. Reports indicate at least three people were injured. Explosions continued as ballistic missiles rained down, spreading destruction across civilian areas.
The timing of these attacks is particularly poignant, coming during the global Christmas celebrations. Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, lamented on social media about the stark contrast: “While other countries are celebrating Christmas, Ukrainians are suffering from endless Russian attacks.”
Strategically, Moscow’s escalation appears to secure gains in eastern Ukraine ahead of a potential shift in U.S. policy. With U.S. President-elect Donald Trump promising to end the war swiftly upon taking office, Russia is intensifying its efforts to claim more territory. Ukrainian officials report growing struggles to maintain their defensive lines due to shortages in manpower and ammunition.
Russia claims significant advances, with its forces allegedly seizing over 190 Ukrainian settlements this year. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to counter Russian offensives despite the overwhelming scale of attacks. Moscow’s defense ministry boasted of shooting down 59 Ukrainian drones overnight, underscoring the volatile air battles that dominate this conflict.
As the war stretches into its third winter, the Ukrainian people face mounting challenges, from displacement to energy shortages. The international community remains on edge, watching for potential resolutions as political shifts loom. However, for now, the relentless devastation underscores the human cost of war, leaving many Ukrainians struggling to survive amid tragedy and loss.
Refrence From: www.ndtv.com