Ukraine condemns Russia's 'inhumane' Christmas Day attack on energy grid
Russia pummelled Ukraine's energy system and cities in its eastern region with cruise and ballistic missiles on Wednesday morning, stepping up its attacks as Ukraine faces its toughest winter of the almost three-year war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday denounced an "inhumane" attack from Russia, which launched over 170 missiles and drones on his war-torn country's power grid on Christmas Day, killing one and causing widespread blackouts.
The country woke up at 5:30 am (0330 GMT) to an air raid alarm, shortly followed by air force reports that Russia had launched Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea.
"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.
This was the 13th large-scale strike on Ukraine's energy system this year, the latest in Russia's campaign targeting the power grid during winter.
Ukraine said a Russian missile went through Moldovan and Romanian airspace, but Romania said it detected no such violation.
Ukraine's air force shot down over 50 missiles, Zelensky said.
"Unfortunately, there are some hits. As of now, there are blackouts in several regions," he said.
Ukraine's DTEK energy company said the attack severely damaged equipment of thermal power plants.
Read more on FRANCE 24 English
Read also:
Zelensky accuses Slovak PM Fico of aiding Putin
North Korea suffers more than 1,000 casualties in Russia-Ukraine war, Seoul says
