What's happened
On December 25, 2024, Russia launched a significant missile and drone attack on Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure. The assault left half a million people in Kharkiv without heating amid freezing temperatures, resulting in casualties and widespread blackouts. Ukrainian leaders condemned the attack as inhumane, coinciding with Ukraine's Christmas celebrations.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, President Zelensky condemned the attack as 'inhumane,' emphasizing that it was a deliberate choice by Putin to strike on Christmas. The New York Times reported that the assault involved over 70 missiles and 100 drones, with significant damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Business Insider highlighted that this was the 13th major attack on Ukraine's energy sector this year, indicating a systematic strategy by Russia to disrupt power supplies. The Guardian noted that the attack resulted in casualties and widespread blackouts, further illustrating the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine. These perspectives collectively underscore the severity of the situation and the potential for increased international support for Ukraine in response to such provocations.
How we got here
This attack marks the 13th large-scale strike on Ukraine's energy grid in 2024, part of a broader campaign by Russia to undermine Ukraine's infrastructure and morale. Ukraine officially shifted its Christmas celebration to December 25 in 2022, distancing itself from the Russian Orthodox Church's January 7 observance.
Common question
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What is the impact of Russia's Christmas missile attack on Ukraine?
On Christmas Day 2024, Russia launched a significant missile and drone attack on Ukraine, targeting critical energy infrastructure. This attack has raised numerous questions about its implications for Ukraine's energy supply, the humanitarian crisis, and the international response. Below, we explore the key aspects of this event and its broader consequences.
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How Does the Christmas Missile Attack on Ukraine Compare to Previous Attacks?
On Christmas Day 2024, Russia launched a significant missile and drone attack on Ukraine, marking the 13th major assault on the country's energy infrastructure this year. This attack has raised questions about the patterns in Russia's military strategy and the ongoing impact on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. Below, we explore key questions surrounding this recent event and its implications.
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What is the Current Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine?
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, especially following recent attacks on energy infrastructure. Understanding the current needs and responses can help individuals and organizations contribute effectively to relief efforts.
More on these topics
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, is an oblast of central and eastern Ukraine, the most important industrial region of the country. It was created on February 27, 1932.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.
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Dnipro from 1926 until May 2016, is Ukraine's fourth-largest city, with about one million inhabitants. It is located in the eastern part of Ukraine, 391 kilometres (243 mi) southeast of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on the Dnieper River, after which it is na
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.