British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vocally criticized Russia’s latest assault on Ukraine, which involved a significant number of drones and missiles targeting the country’s energy infrastructure.
Starmer’s Strong Words Against Russian Aggression
In his statement, Starmer condemned the attack, highlighting the ongoing nature of the assault on Ukraine’s energy facilities. He praised the resilience of the Ukrainian populace and the leadership of President Zelensky in the face of continuous aggression from what he termed “Putin’s bloody and brutal war machine,” especially noting the timing of the attack during Christmas.
Details of the Attack and Ukrainian Response
The assault began early in the morning, with air raid sirens sounding at 5:30 am, followed by reports of Kalibr cruise missiles being launched from the Black Sea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as inhumane, targeting the energy system with over 70 missiles, including ballistic ones, and more than 100 drones. This was the 13th major attack of its kind this year, specifically aimed at crippling Ukraine’s power grid during the winter months.
International and Local Reactions
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga labeled the strike as “Christmas terror,” noting that one missile crossed into Moldovan and Romanian airspace. Ukraine’s air force managed to intercept over 50 missiles, yet some still hit their targets, leading to power outages across several regions.
Impact on Infrastructure and Call for Support
The damage was severe, with DTEK, Ukraine’s leading energy company, reporting significant damage to thermal power plant equipment. CEO Maxim Timchenko condemned the act as “depraved and evil,” calling for increased air defense support from Ukraine’s allies to protect civilian infrastructure during these attacks.
