KyivIt was a chaotic start to the new year as Russia launched a missile attack on Ukraine on New Year’s Eve, killing one person and injuring 20, according to CNN. In a statement, Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, Ukraine, said that 30% of the city was without power due to the explosion. Ukrainian air defense systems reportedly fired off 12 cruise missiles in response to the attack, which was carried out using Tu-95MS bombers over the Caspian Sea and Iskander-M missile systems from the ground. According to Ukraine’s military, about 20 missiles were fired, many of which fell on Russian territory.
Exchange of war prisoners between Russia and Ukraine on NYE
In the midst of the attack, Ukraine and Russia exchanged prisoners of war, releasing 140 people, including wounded soldiers and volunteers from the regional defense. Andrey Ermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, described the exchange as the 35th of the war and a great achievement, allowing fathers and sons to be captured together, as well as allowing other soldiers to return home.
Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: Pope Francis appeals to end ‘senseless war’ during Christmas message
We never know for sure what 2023 will bring us. I want to wish all of us one thing – victory. And this is the main thing.
glory to Ukraine!
Happy New Year!
https://t.co/pLrrh1MN8A— (@ZelenskyyUa) December 31, 2022
Zelensky to Putin: ‘No one will ever forgive you for terrorism’
In a video message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of waging war to keep Russian President Vladimir Putin in power “until the end of his life”. Zelensky also claimed that most missiles fired by Russia at Ukraine were intercepted by the country’s air defense forces. He further accused Putin of hiding behind troops and missiles and “burning” Russia’s future to stay in power. Zelensky said, “Nobody will ever forgive you for terror.”
Wish for a miracle? Build them yourself.
Need faith, hope? Both have been in the army for a long time.
need light? It is in each of us.
Today there is only one wish.
It will come true not by some miracle but by our work. War. mutual aid. Humanity.
Happy New Year! year of our victory pic.twitter.com/rwiZqdOT4c– @ZelenskyyUa) December 31, 2022
Russia invades Ukraine in February 2022
On 24 February, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine, attacking from several directions including Belarus, the Crimean peninsula and its own territory. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives, forced millions to flee their homes, and caused significant destruction of cities.