WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden condemned Russia’s massive Christmas Day assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as “outrageous,” warning that such attacks would only strengthen U.S. resolve to support Kyiv.
Russia launched 78 missiles and 106 Shahed drones early Wednesday in its 13th major strike targeting Ukraine’s power grid, according to Ukraine’s air force. The attack caused widespread power outages during winter, prompting sharp international criticism.
“The purpose of this outrageous attack was to cut off the Ukrainian people’s access to heat and electricity during winter and to jeopardize the safety of its grid,” Biden said in a statement. “The United States and the international community must continue to stand with Ukraine until it triumphs over Russia’s aggression.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia “deliberately chose Christmas for an attack,” calling the strikes “inhumane” as they targeted critical infrastructure amid freezing temperatures.
Biden directed the Defense Department to accelerate weapons deliveries to Ukraine, while President-elect Donald Trump, who has criticized U.S. aid to Ukraine, advocated for a negotiated settlement. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to meet with Trump to discuss potential resolutions.
Trump’s nominee for special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, joined in condemning the Christmas attack. “Launching large-scale missile and drone attacks on the day of the Lord’s birth is wrong,” Kellogg wrote on social media.
DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, reported significant damage to equipment from the coordinated strikes, which included ballistic missiles and Iranian-made drones.
The assault underscores ongoing tensions as the conflict approaches its third year, with Western allies maintaining support for Ukraine while Russia escalates attacks on civilian infrastructure.
