President Biden on Wednesday denounced Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine, declaring the wave of missiles and drones “outrageous.”
“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.
“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,” he added.
Russia, in the early hours of Wednesday, launched an attack on Ukraine’s energy supplies and infrastructure using 78 air and ground missiles and 106 Shahed drones, Ukraine’s air force said. The strikes damaged equipment and caused power outages.
It was the 13th time Russia has attacked Ukraine’s energy system, according to DTEK, the country’s biggest private energy company.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as “inhumane.”
“Today, Putin deliberately chose Christmas for an attack,” he wrote on the social platform X. “What could be more inhumane? Over 70 missiles, including ballistic ones, and more than a hundred attack drones. The targets are our energy infrastructure. They continue to fight for a blackout in Ukraine.”
Biden in his statement touted the equipment the U.S. has already sent Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in 2022, and said “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.”
President-elect Trump, meanwhile, has long been critical of U.S. aid to Ukraine. He has endorsed the idea of a deal between Kyiv and Moscow, and has pledged to swiftly end the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was open to meeting with the incoming president to discuss potential outcomes during their first conversation in four years.
Trump’s choice for special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, also condemned the Christmas Day attack.
“Christmas should be a time of peace, yet Ukraine was brutally attacked on Christmas Day,” Kellogg wrote on the social platform X.
“Launching large-scale missile and drone attacks on the day of the Lord’s birth is wrong. The world is closely watching actions on both sides. The U.S. is more resolved than ever to bring peace to the region.”
