Ukrainian troops mark a third New Year since Russia’s invasion
Ukrainian soldiers take a brief moment to observe a tamed and mellow New Year’s celebration as Russia continues its high-intensity bombardment of the country.
Servicemen of the mortar team of the 57th motorised infantry brigade in the Ukrainian city of Vovchansk marked the occasion with a small celebration at their positions.
Soldiers combined Christmas celebrations with the New Year and took a moment of respite to hang decorations and observe the holiday.
Many soldiers on Ukraine’s armed forces have been unable to properly celebrate major holidays, as duty calls made it difficult to convene with family and loved ones and celebrate in peace.
Some say they have not experienced a festive mood in years, and cannot while their country remains under threat.
“There is no festive mood. Now the situation is very tense, the enemy is constantly carrying out assault actions,” says Oleksandr, a serviceman with the 57th Brigade.
For many of Ukraine’s troops, this is the third consecutive holiday season they spend on the frontline fending off Russian attacks. The overwhelming desire to protect their country and citizens, and ensure Kyiv’s territorial integrity and freedom is all they have on their minds.
“What is there to celebrate when there is a war? You should celebrate with your wife, with your children, with your family,” says Dmytro of the 57th Brigade.
Dmytro and Oleksandr say they communicate with their families whenever possible, stating that they want to go back home, but the job is not completed, and will only end with Ukraine’s victory.
“Motivation for the whole day. To live and to end this war as soon as possible,” added Dmytro.
But despite Russia’s relentless onslaught, the spirits of these soldiers have not been broken. Their selfless sacrifices for their people and country extend to their New Year’s wishes.
“I want to wish everyone a happy New Year. I wish all the best for everyone to wait for their loved ones,” says Oleksandr.
Russian attacks continue to target Ukraine on New Year’s Eve
The Kremlin’s campaign exhibited the same violence on the last day of the year as it has over almost three-years of war.
Ukrainian forces reported on Tuesday that Russian shells struck the northern city of Sumy.
More than a dozen missiles targeted infrastructure on the Shostka community, reportedly causing extensive damage.
Ukrainian officials say twelve multi-storey residential buildings, two educational institutions and some social facilities were damaged.
ADVERTISEMENTAdditionally, police forces reported damage to three civilian homes, garage fences, and other outbuildings.
It is not yet clear if the attacks resulted in any casualties, but regional authorities say emergency rescue units were deployed to the sites of the attacks.
The attacks have also left some people without heating in their properties, as the region braces for the harsher winter months.
Officials say attacks on Tuesday also targeted the capital and other regions.
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Kyiv says that one of its naval drones successfully shot down a Russian helicopter with a missile on Tuesday.
This marks Ukraine’s first destruction of a Russian aerial target by an uncrewed vessel.
Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Directorate, known by the acronym GUR, say a Magura V5, a Ukrainian-manufactured Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), shot down a Moscow Mi-8 helicopter near Cape Tarkhankut, the westernmost point of the annexed Crimean Peninsula.
GUR says another Russian helicopter was struck by Ukrainian missiles, but the aircraft managed to flee and reach an airfield.
ADVERTISEMENTAdditional sources • EBU, AP
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