In the north-eastern city of Kharkiv – Ukraine’s second largest – the attack left half a million people without water, electricity or heating in bitterly cold temperatures, the regional governor said.
Ukrainians across the country woke to sound of air raid alarms, and were told to shelter as the attacks unfolded in the morning.
Kyiv residents sheltered in metro stations, with one local telling Reuters news agency that she felt angry and frightened.
“Of course, I want to be at home and celebrate, but we had to shelter because it’s scary to stay at home,” Sofiia Lytvynenko said.
Another Kyiv resident, Oleksandra, said that despite the attack, “Christmas is not cancelled”.
She told Reuters that she planned to enjoy traditional Ukrainian food and drink with family and friends after it is safe to leave the shelter.
Ukraine’s state-owned power company, Ukrenergo, warned Ukrainians that power cuts could last until at least the end of the day.
It has imposed usage restrictions while it tries to restore service.
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