Kyiv: US President Joe Biden condemned Russia’s recent attack on Ukraine as “outrageous” and vowed to provide further military aid to Kyiv.
Russia launched missile and drone strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing injuries and fatalities. Biden described the attack as “inhuman” and said Russia sought to deprive Ukrainians of heating and electricity during the winter months.
Ukraine’s military reported that its air defenses intercepted 59 Russian missiles and 54 drones, while the Russian Ministry of Defence claimed all attacks were successful in hitting critical targets.
In Moldova, Ukraine’s western neighbor, President Maia Sandu reported that a Russian missile crossed through her country’s airspace during the assaults. Moldova has seen several instances of drone debris landing on its territory and missiles passing through its airspace.
Ukrainians were marking their second Christmas under a new calendar, symbolizing a step away from Russian influence. Most Ukrainians follow the Julian calendar, and the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine, established in 2018, shifted Christmas to December 25 in 2023.
Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector, damaging nearly half of its generating capacity and leading to prolonged blackouts. Ukrainian energy companies have called for international support to protect critical infrastructure from these sustained assaults.
“This Christmas, Russia’s gift to Ukraine was over 70 missiles and 100 drones aimed at families celebrating in their homes,” said US Ambassador Bridget Brink. “For the third consecutive holiday season, Russia weaponizes winter.”
