The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, urged Ukrainians this Monday in his Christmas greeting message to take new breath and resist the onslaught of Russian forces. "This Christmas creates the right atmosphere for next year," he said in a message posted on Telegram. According to the Ukrainian president, his country is facing the "possibility of intensifying dialogue" with its partners and the "possibilities of strengthening our anti-aircraft shield and protecting our home from Russian terrorists," Efe reports.
"The stronger our air defense system is, the fewer Russian demons there will be in our sky and on our land," he stated, recalling that the day before the Ukrainian anti-aircraft defense shot down around thirty Shahed drones and several Russian fighters. The head of Military Intelligence, Kirilo Budánov, joined the congratulations, pointing out that "the terrorist and occupation regime of the Kremlin will never be able to fulfill its plans to destroy our State, our traditions and our identity." "We are a strong nation capable of overcoming any obstacle," he added.
Ukraine is preparing to announce the largest mobilization in its history, which could involve half a million men, the figure requested by the Ukrainian military command from Zelensky.
From the Russian side, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced the capture of Marinka, an important Ukrainian stronghold near Donetsk. If confirmed, it would be Moscow's greatest military success in more than six months.
"As part of the offensive actions of the units of the Southern military group, today we completely liberated the town of Marinka," Shoigu said this Monday during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
