◀ Anchor ▶
The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on January 7.
Despite Russian President Putin’s declaration of a 36-hour ceasefire on this date, artillery fire continued throughout Christmas in Ukraine.
During his Christmas service, President Putin thanked the Russian Orthodox Church for supporting the war, calling it a holy war.
This was reported by correspondent Jo Myung-ah.
◀ Report ▶
Christmas Eve service held in a church within the Kremlin Palace in Russia.
The solemn appearance of President Putin, who attended the service alone, making the sign of the cross, was broadcast by a local TV station.
The Russian Orthodox Church sent support, saying, “This war should be seen as a holy fight against the West,” and Putin thanked the Orthodox Church.
A service was also held in a cathedral in Ukraine.
The first Christmas service held since independence from Russia last month was held in the language of the native country after 31 years.
[에피파니우스/우크라이나 정교회 총대주교]
“Help us drive out foreign aggression from Ukrainian soil. Give us a just and lasting peace through the triumph of truth.”
Putin has officially stated that he accepts the 36-hour ceasefire proposed by the Russian Orthodox Church, but shelling has continued in various parts of Ukraine.
Air raid alarms went off across Ukraine and journalists had to evacuate in a hurry to bomb shelters.
In the Donetsk region on the Eastern Front, apartments where residents live were destroyed in shelling and artillery fire continued during the Christmas holidays, especially in Bahmut.
[바실 리신/ 자원봉사자]
“Putin said a truce, but it was actually the other way around. There was no truce. The Russians attacked us countless times yesterday.”
The Russian side said Ukrainian forces fired first and kept their promise of a 36-hour ceasefire.
However, Ukrainian President Zelensky said in his Christmas message that Ukrainian forces are “fighting to defeat the beast, not fall prey”.
I’m Jo Myung-ah from MBC News in Kiiwu.
Video Coverage: Lee Yoo-kyung / Video Editing: Jo A-ra
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