Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj complained about Russian cynicism in the face of heavy air strikes just before Christmas.Image: EPA
December 24, 2025, 07:41December 24, 2025, 07:41
The Russian armed forces continue to put the Ukrainian military under heavy pressure. Kiev’s troops had to withdraw from the strategically important city of Siversk in the north of the Donetsk region. Fierce fighting continued to rage in the area around the town, the General Staff announced on Facebook. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj complained about Russian cynicism in the face of heavy air strikes just before Christmas.
Before the Russian war of aggression began almost four years ago, Siversk had more than 10,000 inhabitants. For a long time, the section of the front there was considered relatively stable, but recently the pressure from the Russian attackers had increased. The city is considered strategically important because it is part of a defense line that protects the last major conurbation in Donbass controlled by Ukrainian forces. After the fall of Siversk, Russian attackers can now advance further towards the cities of Slovyansk and Kramatorsk.
The Ukrainian General Staff reported on Siversk: “In order to protect the lives of our soldiers and the combat effectiveness of the units, the Ukrainian defenders have withdrawn from the town.”
Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin had already announced the capture of the city almost two weeks ago at a partially broadcast meeting with Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov. Kyiv denied this at the time.
Zelenskyj complains about serious attacks on the energy system
After serious attacks on the Chernihiv region, in which energy supply infrastructure was affected, Zelensky accused Russia of cynicism. “Of course the Russians are also trying to destroy this festival and this holy day,” he said in his evening video message on Tuesday. Ukraine therefore needs support, especially with anti-aircraft defense – both on public holidays and on weekdays.
Last week, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) called on Putin for a ceasefire in Ukraine over Christmas.
Unlike in previous years, Ukraine now officially celebrates Christmas according to Western customs. However, many Ukrainian Christians continue to adhere to Orthodox traditions of celebrating Christmas on January 7th, as in Russia.
Ukrainian negotiating team is back
Zelensky also reported on the progress of talks for a peace solution. The Ukrainian negotiating team has returned from the USA and has made progress towards an agreement to end the war. He didn’t give any details. “Ukraine will never be an obstacle to peace,” said Zelensky. At the same time, he warned that Russia could blow up the diplomatic process.
Moscow and Kyiv do not negotiate directly with each other. The delegations of both countries are consulting with American mediators to enforce their respective positions. Most recently there were talks lasting several days in Miami.
Russia revokes citizenship of critical journalists
Meanwhile, Russia is intensifying its crackdown on war critics. The authorities revoked the citizenship of journalist Roman Anin for allegedly discrediting the armed forces. The Interior Ministry told the state news agency Tass that the reason was crimes committed by Anin.
Anin is editor-in-chief of the Internet portal “Vashnye Istorii” (“Important Stories”). Among other things, the media’s research into the alleged daughter of Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin and its collaboration on the international project to expose tax havens, known as the “Pandora Papers”, caused a stir. Anin was sentenced in absentia at the end of March to 8.5 years in prison for “knowingly spreading false information about the Russian armed forces.” (sda/dpa)