Intense Christmas Assault: Russia Launches Rocket Barrage Against Ukraine
On December 25, 2024, Russia initiated a large-scale assault on Ukraine, utilizing a combination of over 70 rockets and more than 100 combat drones. This aggressive action coincided with Christmas celebrations in Ukraine, as noted by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who condemned the timing of the attacks as particularly inhumane.
Ukrainian defense systems successfully intercepted over 50 of the incoming missiles and a significant number of drones. The primary targets of these strikes included Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which has already faced severe damage from previous assaults aimed at crippling the country's power supply.
Throughout the day, reports indicated that numerous cities across Ukraine were affected, with significant explosions reported in Dnipro, Kryvyj Rih, and Iwano-Frankiwsk. Kharkiv appeared to bear the brunt of the attack, where the local population was forced into emergency power outages due to the extensive damage inflicted.
According to the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Russian troop casualties have continued to rise, with estimates indicating that approximately 1,600 soldiers were killed or injured within a 24-hour period. Since the onset of the conflict in February 2022, total Russian losses are now reported to exceed 779,000 personnel, alongside substantial losses in military equipment, including tanks and armored vehicles.
The United States government is also contemplating further sanctions against Russia's energy sector, which may be implemented before President Biden's term concludes. These measures could target Russia's so-called 'shadow fleet' used to bypass existing sanctions on oil exports.
Amidst the chaos of the attacks, the Ukrainian government continues to emphasize unity among its citizens. President Zelenskyy highlighted in a video address that the spirit of Christmas serves to unite the nation, reinforcing the collective desire for peace as the conflict persists.
Despite the ongoing violence, many Ukrainians are celebrating Christmas in accordance with Western traditions, a shift that reflects the country's ongoing efforts to distance itself from Russian influence. While the celebration includes customary gift exchanges, traditional observance of Orthodox Christmas on January 7 remains intact.
In the wake of the attacks, public officials reiterated their condemnation of Russian aggression, with officials labeling the perpetrators as 'murderers' for their actions against civilians during what should be a time of peace and celebration. This sentiment echoes throughout the nation as Ukraine continues to withstand the onslaught of hostilities.
As the situation evolves, the Ukrainian military remains vigilant, preparing for potential further incursions while remaining steadfast in their commitment to defend their homeland.
