In the northeastern city of Kharkiv – Ukraine’s second largest – the attack left half a million people without water, electricity and heating in freezing temperatures, the regional governor said.
Ukrainians across the country woke up to the sound of the raid and were told to take cover when the attacks began in the morning.
Residents of Kiev hid in subway stations, and one of the local residents told the Reuters news agency that she felt anger and fear.
“Of course, we want to be at home and celebrate, but we had to hide because it’s scary to stay at home,” Sofia Litvinenko said.
Another woman from Kyiv, Aleksandra, said that, despite the attack, “Christmas is not cancelled.”
She told Reuters she plans to enjoy traditional Ukrainian food and drink with family and friends after she is safely out of the shelter.
The state energy company of Ukraine “Ukrenerga” warned Ukrainians that the power outage could last at least until the end of the day.
It has imposed usage restrictions while it tries to restore service.
