As the new year began, Ukraine was once again targeted

Across Ukraine, the toll of the attacks was more severe. Three people were reported dead in various regions, including Kherson, where a children’s hospital was also hit, as well as in Khmelnytsky in the west and the southern Zaporizhzhia region. In total, Ukraine’s air force successfully intercepted 45 Shahed drones, Iranian-designed weapons, that were launched by Russia. One drone, ironically, had the message “Happy New Year” written on its tailfin, which Ukraine’s police later posted a photo of.

Despite the attacks, Ukrainians remained defiant. Curfews in cities like Kyiv prevented large gatherings, but many people continued to express their patriotism from balconies, shouting “Glory to Ukraine! Glory to heroes!” Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, confirmed that while the night was “restless,” no further casualties were reported in the capital, although an infrastructure site outside Kyiv was damaged.

In his New Year’s message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed hope for the coming year, vowing that the country would continue fighting for its return to normalcy, while anticipating victory in the ongoing conflict. His message came as a rallying cry for the embattled nation, emphasizing Ukraine’s resilience and resolve to resist the Russian invasion.