Revista Movimento Editorial Team
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced on Wednesday (25th) the brutality of a Russian missile and drone attack against energy facilities at a deeply symbolic moment: Christmas, celebrated by the country on this date for the second time in its modern history.
The attack, which struck Ukraine's energy system amid the harsh winter, is a cruel example of Moscow's strategy to cause mass suffering to the civilian population. Air raid sirens sounded at 5:30 local time (0:30 Brasilia time), and shortly after, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia had launched Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea.
"Putin deliberately chose Christmas Day to attack. What could be more inhumane?" questioned Zelenskyy, highlighting the launch of more than 70 missiles, including ballistic ones, and more than 100 attack drones. "The target is our energy system," he stated.
The attacks caused deaths and injuries: one person died and six were wounded, according to authorities. In Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, "at least seven bombardments" were recorded, while the Dnipropetrovsk region was also heavily hit, with one confirmed death. In other regions, millions were left without electricity, worsening the difficulties of an already severe winter.
Ukrainian diplomat Andrii Sibiga emphasised that Russian missiles not only threaten Ukraine but also regional security. One of them reportedly passed through Moldovan and Romanian airspace. However, Romania denied that any projectile had entered its territory.
This was the 13th wave of large-scale attacks against Ukrainian energy infrastructure in 2023, revealing Russia's systematic campaign to destabilise the country at the height of winter. Maxim Timchenko, CEO of energy company DTEK, classified the attack as a "depraved and evil act." He appealed to Kyiv's allies for more defence resources, warning that depriving millions of light and heat on a date like Christmas exposes the immoral nature of the Russian government.
The Russian offensive coincides with a critical period for Ukraine, which faces not only the destruction of its infrastructure but also the human and psychological consequences of a prolonged conflict. The symbolism of the date is even more striking because, in 2023, Ukraine officially moved its Christmas celebration to 25 December, aligning with Western traditions as a gesture of defiance against Russian cultural dominance.
Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko warned of significant damage to the electrical system and power cuts in various regions. Authorities are working to minimise the negative effects, but the devastation caused by the attacks is profound.
The Kremlin's cowardice in choosing a holy day and a moment of climatic vulnerability to attack underlines the lack of scruples in its war strategy. Even in the face of a merciless war, the resilience of the Ukrainian people persists, while the world watches with indignation at the suffering caused by a regime that seems oblivious to humanity.