In a tragic turn of events marking nearly two years since the conflict began between Kyiv and Moscow, both Russia and Ukraine reported at least six people killed on Sunday due to ongoing shelling. Ukrainian officials stated that Russian attacks in the southern Kherson region claimed five lives, while Russian authorities claimed one casualty from Ukrainian shelling in the occupied eastern town of Horlivka.
An elderly couple, aged 87 and 81, lost their lives when their Kherson City apartment block was shelled on Sunday. The situation remains dire, with Ukrainian President’s office head, Andriy Yermak, emphasizing, “There are no holidays for the enemy. They do not exist for us as long as the enemy kills our people and remains on our land.”
The unfortunate incident occurred just as Ukraine prepared to celebrate Christmas on December 25 for the first time, following President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s approval of legislation shifting it from the Russian Orthodox Church’s January 7 schedule. The festive spirit is marred by the grim reality of the conflict, with Russian forces repeatedly shelling Kherson since vacating the region’s administrative center more than a year ago.
In a Christmas Eve speech, President Zelenskyy addressed the nation, promising that “step by step, day by day, the darkness is losing.” He emphasized the collective goal and dream of Ukrainians for freedom and victory, urging a united prayer for their nation.
The violence escalated as Ukrainian shelling hit Russian-controlled Horlivka, causing one death and injuring six others, according to Russian-installed mayor Ivan Prikhodko. The attack also resulted in the destruction of a shopping center and several other buildings in the area, approximately 600 kilometers northeast of Kherson.
As the conflict persists, the region remains in turmoil, and the toll on innocent lives continues to rise, casting a somber shadow over what should be a season of joy and celebration.
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