President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Ukrainian troops in Avdiyivka, the town in Donetsk Region which Russians have been pummeling with artillery for months, trying to capture it.
According to the presidential website, he handed awards to soldiers and greeted them with the seasonal holidays.
"Together with the team, today we wished soldiers in Avdiyivka Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. All those who are at the forefront. Who defend our country. Immense gratitude. And all the near and dear, every family of our heroes. All those who help. Who work so that our guys at the front have everything they need. And all those in the world who believe in us and do their best for Ukraine to be able to do more," he said.