For many Ukrainian Orthodox Christians, Christmas got here early this 12 months. Traditionally, they follow the vacation in early January, like many Russians. But because the struggle rages on, marking the day on December twenty fifth is differently of status except for their aggressor.
In his nightly video deal with to the country, President Zelenskyy despatched Christmas greetings to people who had been celebrating – however warned that the vacation would possibly not imply an finish to Russian assaults:
“There are only a few days left this year. We must be aware that our enemy will try to make this time dark and difficult for us. Russia lost everything it could this year. But it is trying to compensate for its losses with the gloating of its propagandists after rocket attacks on our country and on our energy. I know the darkness will not prevent us from leading the occupiers to their new defeats. But we have to be ready for any scenario.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin, in the meantime, instructed state-owned broadcaster RTR that he is in a position to start out peace talks:
“I believe we are acting in the right direction. We’re defending our national interests, the interests of our citizens, our people. I reiterate, we don’t have any other choices but to protect our citizens. However, we are prepared to negotiate some acceptable outcomes with all the participants of this process. But it’s their business. It’s not us who refuse talks, it’s them.”
On Sunday, Russia’s defence ministry launched pictures which it claimed presentations an army priest serving at the entrance strains, carrying out products and services and taking communion, whilst Russian forces proceed their moves on Ukraine.
