Russian drone attack hits Kyiv and several Ukrainian cities, targeting energy infrastructure and causing casualties ahead of Christmas holidays.

Ukraine, Russia, drone attack, Kyiv, energy infrastructure, Zelensky, Putin, Christmas, 2024

Russian Drone Attack Hits Kyiv and Ukrainian Cities Ahead of Christmas

By Alex Smith and Mohamed Madi, Kyiv

Overview of the Latest Attacks

In the early hours of Monday, Russia launched a massive drone attack on multiple Ukrainian cities. President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that the strikes, coming just before Christmas, killed at least three people, including a young child, and left significant destruction across the country.

Ukrainian officials disclosed that more than 600 drones and 30 missiles were unleashed, with energy infrastructure being deliberately targeted. The result: widespread power outages in several regions and severe hardship for Ukrainian citizens.

Impact on Ukrainian Civilians and Infrastructure

Casualties and Human Toll

• A four-year-old girl died in Zhytomyr region despite efforts to save her.
• A 76-year-old woman lost her life and three people were injured when a Kyiv region home was struck.
• Another casualty, a 72-year-old, was reported in Khmelnytskyy, western Ukraine.

Damage to Power Grid and Emergency Responses

The attacks severely damaged energy systems, prompting emergency shutdowns across Ukraine. Acting energy minister Artem Nekrasov underscored that this was the ninth major assault on the country’s energy network this year, resulting in a near total loss of supply in Rivne, Ternopil, and Khmelnytsky regions. Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Merezhko warned some areas may remain without power for days, especially as temperatures are expected to plummet to -7°C.

For continuing coverage of Ukraine’s power grid challenges, see our related article.

Zelensky’s Response: Russia’s Motives and Global Reactions

President Zelensky condemned the strikes, stating, “People simply want to be with their families, at home, and safe,” and called the attacks “an extremely clear signal about Russia’s priorities.” He criticized President Putin, asserting that Russia continues its aggressive actions because the world is “not putting enough pressure” on the Kremlin.

Zelensky had previously forewarned that the Russian military has a pattern of escalating attacks during the festive period, reflecting what he called the Kremlin’s “nature.”

Retaliation and Escalation: Actions on Both Sides

In a related development, Ukraine reportedly struck a petrochemical plant in Stravropol, southern Russia, causing a fire but no casualties. Polish fighter jets were also scrambled in response to the west Ukraine attacks, highlighting increased regional tensions.

According to the Russian defence ministry (via Tass), their operations specifically targeted energy and transport facilities in Ukraine.

Ongoing Conflict and Peace Efforts

The recent attacks shattered a brief period of calm in Kyiv, which had not seen drone incursions for several weeks. Tensions were heightened further by the suspected Ukrainian involvement in the killing of a top Russian general in Moscow, though Kyiv has not commented.

Diplomatic Talks and Prospects For Peace

The attack follows the latest round of US-led diplomatic negotiations in Miami, where American and Ukrainian representatives are working on detailed proposals to end the war. President Zelensky confirmed that a US-proposed Christmas truce was rejected by Russia, but several important draft agreements are now under discussion, including post-war security and recovery for Ukraine.

For more on diplomatic efforts, the UN Security Council provides ongoing international updates.

Main Focus: Odesa and the Black Sea Region

The southern port city of Odesa has been the recent focus of Russian drone attacks. President Putin threatened to cut Ukraine off from Black Sea access in retaliation for earlier Ukrainian drone besieges of Russia’s “shadow fleet”—vessels transporting goods subject to Western sanctions.

Conclusion: Continued Uncertainty as the Holidays Approach

As the festive period nears, Ukrainians face ongoing threats from Russian drone attacks and power shortages. With diplomatic solutions proving elusive, the situation remains volatile, demanding vigilance from the international community.

Read more comprehensive updates on the original BBC source.