Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the downing of two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve and said “this Christmas sets the right mood for the whole year ahead”.
In a Christmas message that marked the first time Ukraine officially celebrated Christmas on December 25 instead of January 7, Zelensky also referred to Ukraine’s claim to have destroyed three more Russian fighter jets on Friday.
“The stronger our air defense capabilities are, the less Russian monsters we have in our skies and on land,” the Ukrainian president said. He praised the country’s “ability to negotiate with partners, strengthen our sky shield, defend our homeland from The ability to attack”. Russian terrorists”.
His upbeat assessment comes amid growing concerns about disappointment on the battlefield and the future of Western aid to Ukraine’s war. Despite high hopes for a summer counteroffensive, the front lines have barely moved and political disputes among the allies have put billions of dollars in aid in doubt.
On Monday, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that Moscow’s troops had taken control of Malinka, a now-abandoned strategic town about 20 kilometers (12 km) west of Donetsk, the largest city in Russian-controlled territory. miles).
“This allows us to protect Donetsk more effectively today from attacks,” Shoigu said during a meeting with Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian officials did not comment on a possible seizure of the town.
Ukraine said that in addition to the two Russian planes that were shot down during the night, Ukrainian air defense forces also intercepted 28 Russian drones. The Air Force said 31 drones were launched, but did not elaborate on what the three drones that were not intercepted might have struck.
A summary from Ukraine’s presidential office said a Russian attack killed one civilian and injured at least four others in the past 24 hours. The deaths occurred in the town of Chernobavka in the Kherson region, which is under Ukrainian control and frequently attacked.
Zelenskiy signed legislation in July to postpone the date of the Christmas public holiday. Ukraine is predominantly Orthodox, but the faith is divided into two churches, one of which has long-standing ties to the Russian Orthodox Church.
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church does not recognize the authority of the Russian Church and is considered schismatic. In 2019, it was fully recognized by the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, the highest authority in the Orthodox Church.
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church, a branch of the Russian Church, severed ties with Moscow in 2022 after the outbreak of the Russo-Ukrainian war and considers itself autonomous. However, its parish continues to follow the same liturgical calendar as the Russian Church and will celebrate Christmas on January 7.
Many Ukrainians embraced the change enthusiastically, seeing it as a positive step that would further strengthen their cultural separation from Russia.
“This is historical justice,” said Yevhen Konyk, a 44-year-old soldier who attended the traditional celebrations at Kiev’s open-air museum with his family. “We need to move forward not only with the world but also with our country’s heritage and overcome the remnants of empire that we have.”
Konik, who serves in Kiev, said he is hopeful for victory next year, but also noted the grim situation on the front line.
“This year, everyone expected major achievements on the front, but it turns out that this prediction was too optimistic. The enemy is also making preparations,” he said.
