Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia made a “conscious choice” by launching a major attack on his country’s energy infrastructure on Christmas Day.
Ukraine’s air force said it had detected 184 missiles and drones, but many were shot down or missed their targets.
It said there were casualties from the strikes but gave no figures. Moscow confirmed the attack and said its goal had been achieved.
The attack led to power cuts across the country, including in the capital Kyiv, where some residents sheltered in metro stations.
Russia’s defence confirmed its forces had carried out a “massive strike” on “critical” energy facilities in Ukraine.
It added that the strike had been a success and all targets were hit.
This was the 13th major attack on Ukraine’s energy sector this year, the country’s largest private energy company, DTEK, said.
