UK PM Condemns Russian Christmas Day Attack On Ukraine
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday condemned a Russian attack which saw more than 170 drones and missiles launched on Ukraine’s energy grid, killing one person.
“I condemn this ongoing assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure,” Starmer said in a statement.
“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 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,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr 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.
One Russian missile went through Moldovan and Romanian airspace, said Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga, who denounced Russia’s “Christmas terror”.
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.
“Denying light and warmth to millions of peace-loving people as they celebrate Christmas is a depraved and evil act that must be answered,” DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko said, urging allies to send more air defence.
