President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Ukrainians to persevere despite Russian attacks as the country celebrates Christmas. In a defiant speech on Saturday, he said: 'Freedom comes at a high price. But slavery has an even higher price.'
Russia's missile and drone strikes have left millions without power, heating or running water. Earlier on Saturday, 10 people were killed in the southern city of Kherson, officials said, with a further 68 injured. The regional authorities called for urgent blood donations.
Describing Russia as a 'terrorist country', Mr Zelensky accused Russian troops of 'killing for the sake of intimidation and pleasure'. In a social media post, he shared images of streets strewn with bodies and burning cars, saying 'the world must see and understand what absolute evil we are fighting against'.
Kherson, the only regional capital captured by Russia since its full-scale invasion began on 24 February, was liberated by Ukraine last month. Since then, it has been frequently shelled by Russian forces positioned on the left bank of the Dnipro River. Moscow denies targeting civilians but President Vladimir Putin recently admitted to striking critical energy facilities.
In a video address on Saturday evening, Mr Zelensky said: 'We endured at the beginning of the war. We endured attacks, threats, nuclear blackmail, terror, missile strikes. Let's endure this winter because we know what we are fighting for. We will celebrate our holidays! As always. We will smile and be happy. As always. The difference is one. We will not wait for a miracle. After all, we create it ourselves.'
For many Ukrainians, Christmas will be in the dark and cold, but they say the hardships have only made them stronger as the war enters its 11th month. Fierce fighting continued in the eastern Donbas region, where Russian troops attacked the strategic town of Bakhmut.
