President Biden on Wednesday condemned Russia's recent attack on Ukraine, declaring the wave of missile and drone strikes “outrageous.”
“The goal of this egregious attack was to cut off access to winter heat and electricity for the Ukrainian people and to jeopardize the security of our power grid,” Biden said in a statement.
“Let me be clear: Ukrainians have the right to live in peace and security, and the United States and the international community must continue to support Ukraine until it defeats Russian aggression.”
Early Wednesday morning, Russia launched an attack on Ukraine's energy supplies and infrastructure using 78 air and ground missiles and 106 Shahed drones, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. The strike damaged equipment and caused power outages.
This is the 13th time Russia has attacked Ukraine's energy system. According to DTEKthe country's largest private energy company.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the attack as “inhumane”.
“Today President Putin deliberately chose Christmas as the purpose of his attack,” he wrote on social platform X. “What could be more inhumane? More than 70 missiles, including ballistic missiles, and more than 100 attack drones. The target is energy infrastructure. They continue to fight for power outages in Ukraine .”
In a statement, Biden touted the equipment the United States has already sent to Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in 2022, saying “more equipment is on the way.”
“I am directing the Department of Defense to continue the surge in arms deliveries to Ukraine, and the United States will continue to work tirelessly to strengthen Ukraine's position in defense against Russian forces.”
Meanwhile, President-elect Trump has long criticized the United States' aid to Ukraine. He supported the proposed agreement between Kiev and Moscow and pledged to quickly end the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he is open to meeting with the president-elect to discuss potential outcomes in their first meeting in four years.
Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, President Trump's pick to be his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, also condemned the Christmas Day attack.
“Christmas should be a time of peace, but Ukraine suffered a brutal attack on Christmas Day,” Kellogg wrote in the article. Social platform.
“Launching large-scale missile and drone attacks on the Lord’s Birthday is wrong. The world is watching the actions of both sides closely. The United States is more determined than ever to bring peace to the region. It’s solidified.”
