‘Deliberate, inhumane,’ Zelenskyy reacts as Russia attacks Ukraine on Christmas Day

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned a massive Russian missile and drone strike launched against the country on Christmas Day, describing it as a deliberate and inhumane attack timed to coincide with the holiday. 

The assault, which involved over 70 missiles, including ballistic types and more than a hundred drones, targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, aiming to instigate a blackout across the country.

Zelenskyy, in a statement shared on X on Wednesday, noted that the attack was not a spontaneous act but a calculated decision by Russian forces. 

According to him, despite the significant damage, Ukrainian defenders managed to intercept more than 50 missiles and a substantial number of drones, though some still hit their intended targets, resulting in power outages in several regions. 

He added that emergency teams are already working to restore electricity supply.

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The President also expressed gratitude to Ukraine’s defenders and power engineers, emphasising that despite the ongoing aggression, Russia’s actions would not break the Ukrainian spirit or spoil the holiday.

He tweeted, “Every massive Russian strike requires time for preparation. It is never a spontaneous decision. It is a deliberate choice – not only of targets but also of timing and date.

“Today, Putin deliberately chose Christmas for an attack. What could be more inhumane? Over 70 missiles, including ballistic ones, and more than a hundred attack drones. The targets are our energy infrastructure. They continue to fight for a blackout in Ukraine. 

“According to preliminary reports, our defenders managed to shoot down more than 50 missiles and a significant number of drones. Unfortunately, there have been hits. As of now, there are power outages in several regions. Power engineers are working to restore power supply as soon as possible. 

“I thank everyone who is working for the country, who is on combat duty, who is protecting our skies. We will restore the maximum. Russian evil will not break Ukraine and will not spoil Christmas.”

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