Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines in Vovchansk took a brief break to ring in the new year, but Russia continues to bomb the country with high intensity and many warn there is “nothing to celebrate”.
Loess soldiers Mortar team of the 57th motorized infantry brigade of the Ukrainian city Vovchansk They celebrated the beginning of the year with a small celebration at their positions. Soldiers combined Christmas celebrations with New Year’s celebrations and moment of rest For hanging decorations and commemorating the holiday.
Many soldiers of the armed forces Ukrainian They were unable to properly celebrate important holidays because their service obligations made it difficult for them to reunite with their families and loved ones. Some say so They haven’t experienced a festive atmosphere for years and they say they can’t do that when their country is under threat.
“There is no festive atmosphere. The situation is very tense now, the enemy is constantly carrying out offensive actions,” says Oleksandr, a soldier from the 57th Brigade. For most Ukrainian soldiers, this situation third Christmas season in a row Those who crossed the front line defending themselves against Russian attacks. The only thing on their minds is the overwhelming desire to protect their country and its citizens and to secure Kiev’s territorial integrity and freedom.
“What is there to celebrate when there is war? “You need to celebrate this day with your wife, your children, your family,” says Dmytro from the 57th Brigade. Dmytro and Oleksandr said that they contacted their families whenever they had the opportunity and said that they wanted to return home, but this is not over and will only end with Ukraine’s victory.
However, despite Russia’s relentless attack, the spirit of these soldiers remained intact. “I want I wish you Happy new year to everyone. I wish you the best while waiting for your loved ones,” says Oleksandr.
Russian attacks continue to target Ukraine on New Year’s Eve
The Kremlin’s campaign displayed the same ferocity on the last day of the year as it has throughout the nearly three-year war. On Tuesday, Ukrainian forces reported that Russian artillery shells had hit the northern city. Amounts. More than a dozen missiles targeted the infrastructure of the Shostka community, causing extensive damage.
Ukrainian officials noted: 12 residential buildings Multi-storey buildings, two educational institutions and some social facilities were damaged. Police forces also reported damage to three civilian homes, garage fences and other buildings.
It is not yet clear if there were any victims in the attacks, but regional officials say the attacks did occur emergency rescue units where there are attacks. The attacks have also left some people without heating in their homes, as the region prepares for the harshest winter months. Officials said Tuesday’s attacks also targeted the capital and other regions.
Ukraine took a step back
Kiev claims to have one of these marine drones A Russian helicopter was successfully shot down with a missile on Tuesday. First destruction of Russian air target one from ukraine unmanned ship.
Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Directorate, known by its acronym GUR, said a Ukrainian-made Magura V5 unmanned surface vehicle (USV) shot down a Moscow Mi-8 helicopter near Cape Tarkhankut, the westernmost point of the Crimean peninsula illegally annexed by Russia. GUR states that Another Russian helicopter was shot down It was hit by Ukrainian missiles but the plane managed to escape and reach an airport.