British Prime Minister Keir Starmer strongly criticized Russia’s latest assault on Ukraine, where over 170 drones and missiles were launched, targeting the country’s energy infrastructure and leaving one person dead.
“I denounce this continued attack on Ukraine’s energy systems,” Starmer stated.
He praised the courage of Ukrainians and the leadership of President Volodymyr Zelensky, condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin’s relentless aggression, which showed no pause even during the holiday season.
The strikes began early Wednesday morning at 5:30 am (0330 GMT), as Ukrainians awoke to air raid sirens and reports from the air force confirming the launch of Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea.
“Putin intentionally chose Christmas to strike. What could be more cruel?” Zelensky remarked. He detailed that over 70 missiles, including ballistic ones, and more than 100 attack drones were unleashed, aiming to cripple Ukraine’s power grid.
This marked the 13th major attack on Ukraine’s energy system in 2024, a part of Russia’s winter offensive against the power network.
One missile reportedly traversed Moldovan and Romanian airspace, prompting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga to label the assault as “Christmas terror.”
Despite Ukraine’s air force intercepting more than 50 missiles, some strikes landed, causing power outages in several regions.
Thermal power plants suffered significant damage, according to DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy provider.
DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko condemned the attack, calling it an “evil and inhumane” act designed to deprive millions of warmth during Christmas.
He urged international allies to bolster Ukraine’s air defence systems.