By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On Christmas Day, Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, striking a thermal power plant and causing widespread blackouts and heating disruptions, particularly in Kharkiv. Over 70 missiles and 100 drones were fired, with Ukrainian forces shooting down a significant number. The attack resulted in casualties, with at least seven people wounded and one killed. This marks the 13th such attack on Ukraine’s power grid this year, prompting accusations of inhumane terror tactics by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
Read the original article here
Zelenskyy denounces the Russian Christmas Day missile and drone attack on Ukraine as “inhumane,” a term that feels increasingly inadequate given the consistent brutality of the ongoing conflict. The sheer audacity of the attack, launched on a day of religious significance for many Ukrainians and Russians alike, underscores the callous disregard for human life displayed by the Russian forces. It’s a blatant act of aggression, a war crime perpetrated while many were celebrating a holiday.
Zelenskyy’s condemnation is entirely justified. This wasn’t a case of collateral damage or miscalculation; this was a deliberate targeting of civilian areas on a day intended for peace and reflection. The fact that a significant number of missiles and drones were intercepted speaks volumes about the scale of the attack and the potential for even greater devastation had the defenses been less effective. The attack’s impact on civilian lives is unconscionable.
The timing of the attack, falling on Christmas Day, adds another layer of outrage. Regardless of differing calendar systems used to celebrate Christmas, the attack represents a cynical and cruel disregard for any shared religious or cultural observances. It’s a clear message of unyielding hostility, a blatant demonstration of power intended to demoralize and inflict pain. There can be no justification for this barbarity, no mitigating circumstances that could excuse such actions.
Many are rightfully questioning the motives behind this specific attack. While the ongoing war is horrific, this incident feels particularly calculated and vicious, seemingly designed to inflict maximum psychological damage alongside physical harm. The attack is an appalling escalation that leaves many wondering what atrocities might yet come.
The international community’s response is critical. This act of aggression should galvanize even stronger support for Ukraine, providing the necessary resources and weaponry to defend against further attacks. The continued failure to hold Russia accountable for its actions only emboldens its disregard for international law and the basic principles of human decency. This is not just a war; it is a humanitarian crisis of monumental scale.
The sheer scale of the destruction and the purposeful targeting of civilians are beyond comprehension. The notion that this attack is somehow Ukraine’s fault, a narrative often pushed by pro-Russian actors, is a cynical and deeply offensive distortion of reality. Russia is the aggressor, and the responsibility for this war and its consequences rests squarely on its shoulders.
The hypocrisy is staggering. Ceasefire suggestions made prior to this attack by various parties, including suggestions from Putin himself, are now exposed as hollow gestures, empty words used merely for propaganda purposes. These gestures were obviously never sincere intentions of peace; they were cynical ploys, designed to sow division and undermine support for Ukraine.
The widespread condemnation of the attack from global leaders and citizens alike is a testament to the shared revulsion at the blatant disregard for human life. It is a clear demonstration that the world will not stand idly by while atrocities are committed. The focus now must be on ensuring that Russia faces meaningful consequences for its actions, and that Ukraine receives the support it needs to defend itself and its people.
Ultimately, Zelenskyy’s denunciation of the attack as “inhumane” is an understatement. It is a barbaric act that demands a strong and unified international response. The international community must stand resolute in its support for Ukraine, providing the assistance needed to defend its people against the unprovoked aggression of Russia, and to ensure that the perpetrators of this horrific crime are held accountable. The ongoing war demands immediate and decisive action from the global community.