Russia launched a major Christmas Day missile and drone attack on Ukrainian cities, targeting the country’s energy infrastructure.

Thousands of Ukrainians awoke on Christmas morning to the sound of explosions and air strikes, as Russia launched a barrage of attacks designed to cause power outages on Christmas Day. Many will be forced to spend the holiday in a bomb shelter after Russia launched a series of missiles at Ukrainian energy infrastructure in the early hours of Wednesday.

Russia launches a Christmas Day missile attack on Ukraine as the war enters its third year. NBC News’ Erin McLaughlin reports on the shifting battleground there and in Washington, D.C.