Russia launches missile attacks on Ukraine during Christmas: here's what we know so far.

After the nighttime launches of "Shaheds," Russia launched a massive strike on Ukraine on Christmas morning, utilizing cruise missiles and ballistic weapons. Energy sector facilities are once again under fire.

What is known about the massive shelling as of now can be found in the article by RBK-Ukraine below.

Key points at the moment:

• The Tu-95MS conducted launches of cruise missiles, while "Kalibrs" were launched from the Black Sea, with ballistic missiles also being deployed.
• Kharkiv is under heavy attack. Numerous explosions have been heard, and repeated launches towards the city have been recorded. As a result of the "ballistic" strikes, fires have erupted in the city, and there is damage to infrastructure. There are also reports of casualties.
• Overall, explosions are being reported across several regions. Particularly, they have been heard in Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kremenchuk in the Poltava region, as well as in Samara, Kryvyi Rih, Kirovohrad region, Zaporizhia, and Svitlovodsk.
• Russia is once again heavily attacking the energy sector. Preventive power outages have been introduced across Ukraine.
• Poland has raised its aviation in response to the missile attacks by Russian troops on Ukraine.
• One of the Russian cruise missiles was moving from the territory of Moldova towards Chernivtsi.

Energy Sector Under Attack

Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko has already stated that Russians are continuing to target energy infrastructure facilities.

"The enemy is once again launching a massive attack on the energy sector. The transmission system operator is taking necessary measures to limit consumption to minimize negative impacts on the energy system," he wrote.

According to him, as soon as the security situation allows, energy workers will assess the damage incurred.

In connection with the Russian attacks on Ukraine, preventive power outages have been implemented.

Kharkiv

Numerous explosions have already echoed in Kharkiv. The enemy is attacking the city with ballistic missiles. Several fires have occurred following the enemy strikes, and there is damage to civilian non-residential infrastructure.

In particular, two individuals in serious condition have been reported in the Saltivka district. There has been an "arrival" in the Kyiv district. A fire broke out at the site, damaging the windows of nearby buildings.

In the Nemishliansk district, a strike hit a private house, injuring one person.

The number of injured in Kharkiv has risen to 6.

Dnipro

Reports on the massive shelling of Dnipro have also emerged, where a series of explosions occurred. At least 12 explosions have been reported in the regional center.

Other Regions

Sounds of explosions have repeatedly been heard in Kremenchuk, Poltava region. In Svitlovodsk (Kirovohrad region), the head of the community Andriy Malitsky reported on the operation of air defense systems.

In Ivano-Frankivsk, due to a high level of missile threat, public transport services have been suspended. Notably, there are reports of explosions in Burshtyn, which lost heating and hot water during the previous massive missile attack on December 13.

Meanwhile, the mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk reported on the operation of air defense systems and warned that there could be power outages. He later added that the city experienced "no arrivals and, preliminarily, no debris." However, not only power outages are possible, but also poor communication in certain areas.

Poland Raised Aviation Due to Shelling of Ukraine

"Attention, due to the air attack by the Russian Federation, which may strike targets located, among others, in western Ukraine, military aviation has begun operating in our airspace," the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces stated.

Poland has put combat aircraft, ground air defense systems, and radar reconnaissance units on alert. Forces and resources are being directed to ensure the safety of areas adjacent to Ukraine.

Missile Flight Over Moldova

The Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that one of the Russian cruise missiles flew over Moldova en route to Chernivtsi.

Recall that a preliminary combined attack by the Russian Federation on Ukraine took place on December 13. At that time, the energy sector was also under attack. The Russians launched 94 missiles and 193 drones. This was one of the largest strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Occupiers targeted thermal power plants, causing significant damage to equipment, and 5 out of 9 operational energy blocks in Ukraine reduced capacity due to the Russian strikes.

Additionally, since February 2022, a full-scale aggression by Russia against Ukraine has been ongoing. Over nearly these three years, the enemy has used virtually all conventional weapons, shelling the Ukrainian rear with long-range drones and missiles.

For more information on the weapons used by the Russians during attacks, read the article by RBK-Ukraine "Ballistics, drones, cruise missiles. How Russia attacks Ukraine and what threats come from MiGs/TUs".

Data from the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, "Ukrenergo," the Ministry of Energy, as well as statements from heads of regional military administrations and city mayors were used in the preparation of this material.