Washington DC [US]: US President Joe Biden condemned Russia’s missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, reaffirming the United States’ unwavering support for the country. He pledged to increase weapons deliveries and urged the international community to continue standing with Ukraine.
“In the early hours of Christmas, Russia launched waves of missiles and drones against Ukrainian cities and critical energy infrastructure. 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 on Wednesday.
He continued, “Let me be clear: the Ukrainian people deserve to live in peace and safety, and the United States and the international community must continue to stand with Ukraine until it triumphs over Russia’s aggression.”
Biden detailed ongoing US defense support for Ukraine, emphasizing the commitment to bolstering its resistance against Russian forces. “In recent months, the United States has provided Ukraine with hundreds of air defense missiles, and more are on the way. I have directed the Department of Defense to continue its surge of weapons deliveries to Ukraine, and the United States will continue to work tirelessly to strengthen Ukraine’s position in its defense against Russian forces,” he added.
Earlier on Christmas, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the massive missile and drone strikes targeting the country’s energy infrastructure, labeling them as “inhumane.”
Al Jazeera reported that Russian missile attacks killed at least one person, injured three others in southern Ukraine, and caused significant damage to energy infrastructure. Kherson Governor announced the casualties on Wednesday morning.
In northeastern Ukraine, Kharkiv Governor Oleh Syniehubov confirmed that at least six people were wounded in a missile attack on the region. Ukrainian Air Force officials stated that ballistic missiles were used in the attack on Kharkiv.
Additionally, Dnipropetrovsk Governor Serhiy Lysak reported that Russian forces targeted a power grid in the area, further compounding damage to Ukraine’s energy systems.
The attacks come amid intensified efforts by Ukraine and its allies to maintain the nation’s resilience against ongoing Russian aggression.