Russia’s Christmas Day attacks ‘deliberate’ and ‘inhuman’: Zelensky

Russia has intensified attacks on the Ukrainian energy sector since the northern spring this year, damaging almost half of its generating capacity and causing prolonged blackouts.

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‘Russia weaponises winter’

Ukraine’s air force said Kharkiv was attacked by ballistic missiles. Governor Oleh Syniehubov said on Telegram there was damage to civilian non-residential infrastructure, without giving more detail.

Dnipropetrovsk Governor Serhiy Lysak said the fatality there occurred in an attack on regional power facilities.

“Since the morning, the Russian army has been massively attacking the Dnipro region. It is trying to destroy the region’s power system,” he said.

Energy Minister German Galushchenko said on Facebook that Russia was massively attacking the power sector and that restrictions on electricity supply were in place. Ukraine’s largest private energy company DTEK said its generating facilities were attacked, with power equipment seriously damaged, in the 13th large-scale assault on the energy sector this year.

“We appeal to every ally of Ukraine to end this state-sponsored terrorism now by giving our armed forces the air defence ammunition they need to protect essential energy infrastructure,” DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko said in a statement.

“Russia’s Christmas gift to Ukraine: more than 70 missiles and 100 drones, directed at Ukrainian families celebrating in their homes and the energy infrastructure that keeps them warm,” said US ambassador Bridget Brink.

“For the third holiday season, Russia weaponises winter.”