British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned Russia’s large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine’s energy grid, which left one person dead and caused widespread damage. The assault, involving over 170 drones and missiles, occurred during the Christmas period and targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
“I condemn this ongoing assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure,” Starmer said in a statement on Wednesday. “I pay tribute to the resilience of the Ukrainian people, and the leadership of President Zelensky, in the face of further drone and missile attacks from Putin’s bloody and brutal war machine with no respite even at Christmas.”
The attack, which began early in the morning, triggered air raid alarms across Ukraine. Ukrainian officials reported that Russia launched Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea, marking the 13th large-scale strike on Ukraine’s energy system this year.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of deliberately choosing Christmas to intensify its campaign. “Putin deliberately chose Christmas to attack. What could be more inhumane? More than 70 missiles, including ballistic missiles, and more than a hundred attack drones. The target is our energy system,” Zelensky said.
Ukraine’s air force successfully intercepted over 50 missiles during the assault, but some missiles struck their targets, resulting in blackouts in multiple regions. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga denounced the attack as “Christmas terror” and noted that one Russian missile passed through Moldovan and Romanian airspace.
Ukraine’s energy company, DTEK, confirmed significant damage to thermal power plants during the strikes. “Denying light and warmth to millions of peace-loving people as they celebrate Christmas is a depraved and evil act that must be answered,” said DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko, urging international allies to provide more air defense systems.
As Ukraine continues to endure Russia’s relentless attacks on its power grid, Zelensky reiterated the need for stronger international support to counter Moscow’s ongoing campaign.
