Russia launched a large missile and drone attack on Ukraine on Christmas morning

Russian early morning attack targeted the power grid of Ukraine

Russia carried out a large-scale aerial attack on Ukraine on December 25, targeting cities across the country with missiles and drones. The northeastern city of Kharkiv was hit particularly hard, coming under "massive fire" from ballistic missiles. According to Governor Oleh Syniehubov, at least six people were injured in the attack, which caused fires and severe damage to civilian infrastructure. Explosions were also reported in Dnipro, Kremenchuk, Kryvyi Rih, and Ivano-Frankivsk, highlighting the widespread nature of the assault.

In total, Russia launched 78 missiles and 106 drones. Ukraine's Air Force successfully intercepted 55 cruise missiles and 54 Shahed drones, but 52 drones and other missiles breached defenses, causing further destruction. Emergency blackouts were imposed in multiple cities following the strikes, and Ukraine’s largest private energy company, DTEK, reported severe damage to thermal power plants, although the specific locations were not disclosed.

Kharkiv, located only 30 kilometers from the Russian border, has been one of the hardest-hit cities during the war. Despite the assault, Mayor Ihor Terekhov announced that holiday decorations had been put up in the city for the first time since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. He described the decorations as a "symbol of resolve" for the city's residents, even amid continued attacks.

The strikes also targeted critical infrastructure in Dnipropetrovsk, Vinnytsia, and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts. In Dnipro, a strike on energy facilities killed one person, while in Kyiv Oblast, drone debris damaged several buildings, houses, and trucks. The attack follows a ballistic missile strike on Kryvyi Rih on Christmas Eve, which killed one civilian and injured 15 others after hitting an apartment building.

The mass aerial attack comes amidst Russia’s intensified efforts to cripple Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during the winter. President Vladimir Putin has escalated his threats in recent days, promising “more destruction” for Ukraine and suggesting the possible deployment of intermediate-range ballistic missiles against Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the calculated nature of these strikes, saying, “Every Russian massive strike takes time to prepare... It is a conscious choice not only of targets but also of time and date.”

As Ukraine braces for more attacks, international support remains critical to help the country endure the harsh winter and Russia’s continued aggression.

Russians occupy new settlements in Donetsk Oblast

Russian forces have occupied two additional settlements in Donetsk Oblast—Storozheve and Novoolenivka—and made advances near Pishchane and Novovasylivka, according to the DeepState analytical project.

Analysts from DeepState highlighted that the capture of these territories represents further Russian progress in Donetsk Oblast. Storozheve and Novoolenivka have been confirmed as now under Russian control.

In addition, Russian forces have advanced near the settlement of Pishchane, located just a few kilometers from Pokrovsk, as well as in the vicinity of Novovasylivka. These developments underscore ongoing hostilities in the region as Russian troops press forward in their offensive.

Also worth mentioning the Russians have 7 km left before the exit to the Dnipropetrovsk region. We are talking about the Pokrovsky direction, namely Uspenivka.

Russia is ready to export gas to EU via routes bypassing Ukraine

Russia has announced its readiness to supply natural gas to Europe through alternative routes that bypass Ukraine, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, speaking on Dec. 25 on state-controlled television.

The statement follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's firm declaration on Dec. 19 that Ukraine will not renew its gas transit agreement with Russia, set to expire on Dec. 31. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine would not enable Russia to profit from the war, saying, "We will not give (Russia) the opportunity to earn additional billions on our blood."

Zelensky's decision has prompted concerns from several EU member states, including Slovakia, Hungary, Italy, and Austria. State-owned energy companies from these nations have jointly called for the continuation of gas transit through Ukraine, underscoring their reliance on Russian supplies.

Russian officials appear undeterred, asserting Europe's dependence on Russian natural gas. Novak highlighted the cost advantages of Russian gas over alternatives like American liquefied natural gas (LNG), which competes with China for supply. "In terms of logistics and price, Russian gas is the most beneficial," Novak claimed.

The Kremlin has hinted at potential alternative supply routes should Ukraine halt transit. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov previously suggested Turkey as a hub for Russian gas exports. Current alternatives include the TurkStream pipeline, which transports gas across the Black Sea, and shipping liquefied natural gas via tankers.

The Nord Stream pipeline under the Baltic Sea, a major conduit for Russian gas to Germany, has been out of operation since it was damaged in 2022. With this context, Novak’s remarks reflect Russia’s strategic pivot to maintain its dominance in the European energy market despite geopolitical tensions.