🚨 Earlier today (Tuesday, Dec 23), Russia unleashed 635 drones and 38 missiles on Ukraine, targeting energy hubs and plunging at least 13 regions into emergency blackouts. With freezing temps setting in, millions faced sudden power cuts ahead of Christmas.
😢 The strikes killed at least three people — including a 4-year-old in Zhytomyr — and wounded several more around Kyiv. Fires erupted in Chernihiv, Lviv and Odesa after facilities were hit, echoing the chaos of the worst blackout nights we’ve seen.
What’s behind the timing? President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the assault “a clear signal about Russia’s priorities” on X, noting it came just as families were preparing for Christmas. Observers say Moscow is pressuring Kyiv to soften its stance on a US-backed deal.
Regional flashpoints Just like when Jakarta’s grid hiccups during peak hours or Colombo’s power cuts disrupt daily life, Ukrainians depend on stable energy for everything from late-night coding sprints to binge-watching K-dramas. Poland even scrambled NATO jets to defend its airspace after drones buzzed near the border.
Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry claims it seized Prylipka in Kharkiv and Andriivka in Dnipropetrovsk, and launched Kinzhal missiles at more energy and military sites. Ukraine’s energy ministry warns further outages until repairs can be completed.
🇺🇦 Despite the cold and the blackouts, Ukraine’s tech crews and volunteers are racing to bring the lights back on, showing the resilience we all admire. As Orthodox Christmas on Jan 7 approaches, hope shines bright — both offline and online. 💡✨
Reference(s):
Russia's pre-Christmas strikes trigger power cuts across Ukraine
cgtn.com
