Russia 'shoots down' passenger jet in Azerbaijan & Putin's Christmas Day bombardment
Dec 27, 2024
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Olga Ferodova, a former beautician from Kharkiv, transformed her life into that of an explosive ordnance specialist volunteer after the war began. She shares her harrowing journey from beauty to bombs, highlighting the resilience and adaptability required in conflict zones. The conversation dives into the tragic Azerbaijan Airlines crash, raising unsettling theories about Russian involvement. It also discusses Putin's Christmas Day attacks and the broader implications for regional peace negotiations and support for Ukraine.
Russia's Christmas Day military attack on Ukraine involved 184 missiles, causing severe damage to energy infrastructure in freezing conditions.
Olga Feradova’s transition from beautician to explosive ordnance specialist exemplifies the community's resilience in adapting to wartime challenges.
Deep dives
Russia's Christmas Day Attack
A significant military assault occurred on Christmas Day when Russian forces launched an attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure using 184 missiles and drones. Despite Ukraine's military successfully intercepting a majority of these attacks, the strike caused major damage, especially in cities like Kharkiv, leaving half a million residents without essential services such as water, heating, and electricity amid frigid temperatures. Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned the timing of the attack, highlighting its inhumanity on a day of celebration, and further stated that such acts of terror would not undermine Ukraine's spirit. This incident marked the 13th major assault on Ukraine's energy sector in 2023, showcasing the ongoing vulnerability and resilience of the nation under continued bombardment.
The Mysterious Crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Plane
On the same day, an Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed in Kazakhstan under suspicious circumstances, leading to a preliminary investigation suggesting it may have been shot down by a Russian air defense system. Witnesses reported that the flight experienced communication issues due to GPS jamming before veering off its path and colliding with a flock of birds, a claim met with skepticism from various aviation experts. While 38 passengers died in the crash, 29 survived, prompting a national day of mourning in Azerbaijan. This incident raised alarms reminiscent of the MH17 tragedy and highlighted concerns over air safety in regions affected by conflict and military operations.
Olga Feradova's Courageous Shift to Demining
Olga Feradova, a former beautician from Kharkiv, has transitioned into a crucial role as an explosive ordnance specialist with the charity Humanity Inclusion following the onset of the war. Motivated by the need to protect her community and family from explosive threats, she trains locals, including children, on how to safely navigate areas impacted by landmines and unexploded ordnance. Olga's efforts have been impactful; she recounts how residents became more cautious and informed about the dangers of explosives after her training sessions. Her personal story underscores a significant shift towards community resilience, where individuals are taking on new roles to address the pressing challenges brought about by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Today, we look at Russia’s Christmas day attack and the highly suspicious crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane, and we interview a former beautician based in Kharkiv, who decided to train as an explosive ordnance specialist after the war began.
Contributors:
Venetia Rainey (Co-host Battle Lines podcast). @venetiarainey on X.
Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X.
Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist & narrative podcast producer). @adeliepjz on X.
With thanks to Olga Ferodova, Lyudmila our translator, and Humanity and Inclusion. @HI_UK on X.
Humanity & Inclusion is one of four charities supported by this year’s Telegraph Christmas Charity Appeal. If you want to support Humanity & Inclusion, which works directly on the front lines with volunteers and those most vulnerable like Tetiana, please click here. There’s also lots more information about the charity and their work. To make a donation, please visit telegraph.co.uk/2024appeal or call 0151 317 5247.
Donate to David's charity:
This Christmas, the Telegraph is honouring the life and work of our late colleague David Knowles by working with Humanity & Inclusion, a charity helping the ill, vulnerable and disabled left behind in Ukraine’s warzones. You can donate here: