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Ukrainians navigated a spectrum of emotions as New Year's Eve unfolded, from taking part in joyous celebrations in central Kyiv to the somber aftermath of Russia's largest air attack since the start of the full-scale war a few days prior.
While some celebrated with their friends and family far from the front line, Ukrainian soldiers sought a few moments of quiet celebration in the country's east and south.
President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation in the minutes leading up to midnight, expressing gratitude to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and civil society for their exceptional sacrifices in the ongoing struggle against Russian aggression.
New Year's Eve and the early hours of New Year's Day unleashed another wave of Russian aggression against Ukrainian cities. Russia launched 90 Shahed drones against Ukraine overnight, 87 of which Ukrainian air defense successfully intercepted, according to the Air Force.
The determination of Ukraine's Armed Forces to safeguard the nation's people, sovereignty, and commitment to freedom was emphasized once again as Ukraine entered into yet another year of war in 2024.
Ukraine’s 2023 in photos
The year 2023 was another year defined by heartbreak and resilience for millions of Ukrainians as Russia continued its brutal war against Ukraine. The onset saw a massive Russian strike on a residential building in Dnipro that killed 46 people. Then there was a Kakhovka Dam destruction, which evide…
Irynka Hromotska
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