According to the reports on Wednesday (25 December), Russia launched a large-scale aerial attack on Ukraine on Wednesday (25 December), targeting multiple cities with missiles and drones. The northeastern city of Kharkiv experienced “massive rocket fire” from ballistic missiles, causing significant damage to civilian infrastructure. At least three civilians were injured, and emergency services are still assessing the extent of the damage. Explosions were also reported in Dnipro, Kremenchuk, Kryvyi Rih, and Ivano-Frankivsk.
The attacks triggered emergency blackouts across several cities as Russian Tu-95 strategic bombers launched Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea. Kharkiv faced at least seven missile strikes, resulting in fires and destruction of critical infrastructure. Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported injuries and ongoing rescue efforts. The city, located near the Russian border, has endured relentless aerial assaults since the war began.
These strikes follow a ballistic missile attack on Kryvyi Rih on Christmas Eve, which hit an apartment building, killing one civilian and injuring 15. Earlier, on Friday (20 December), Russia launched five ballistic missiles at Kyiv, causing fires and damage to foreign embassies. The escalation coincides with harsh winter conditions, amplifying the impact of Russia’s intensified attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued heightened threats, warning of “more destruction” and suggesting the use of intermediate-range ballistic missiles against Kyiv. Despite the ongoing violence, Kharkiv has shown resilience, with Mayor Ihor Terekhov decorating the city for the holidays for the first time since the 2022 invasion, symbolizing its steadfastness amidst the conflict.
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