Ukraine welcomes the New Year to the sounds of sirens and explosions. On the night of December 31, 2024, Russian invaders once again attacked peaceful cities using kamikaze drones and creating a ballistic threat. These actions are explained not only by military strategy, but also by attempts at psychological pressure.
Military expert Pavlo Narozhny noted that the choice of dates for the attacks was not accidental. Russia traditionally attaches great importance to symbolic dates, and January 1 is no exception. "This is done precisely with the intimidation of the civilian population in order to spoil the holiday," the expert noted.
According to official information:
- On the night of December 31, the Russians launched an attack UAV of the Shahed type.
- At 03:00 an additional threat of ballistic missiles appeared.
- The air alarm covered all of Ukraine on the morning of December 31.
Enemy strikes were carried out on Kyiv, where the anti-aircraft system worked effectively. So far, no civilian casualties have been recorded in the capital, but the situation is more complicated in other regions.
In the city of Shostka, Sumy region, high-rise buildings, educational institutions and social facilities were hit. The head of the community, Mykola Noga, reported significant damage: 12 high-rise buildings and two educational institutions were destroyed.
Why do the Russians attack on holidays?
Russian attacks on New Year's Eve are not only an attempt to inflict physical damage, but also psychological pressure on Ukrainians. Russia is trying to create an atmosphere of fear and destabilization. As Pavlo Narozhny noted, such actions are aimed at ensuring that Ukrainians do not feel at ease even on days that symbolize hope and new beginnings.
Despite everything, Ukrainians demonstrate resilience and fortitude. Every time after the attacks, the country quickly restores the damaged objects, and the population supports each other in difficult times.
This New Year once again shows that the enemy can try to destroy the festive atmosphere, but is not able to break the spirit of the people who chose freedom and dignity.