russia has refused any Christmas ceasefire and may use the holiday period to carry out massive strikes against Ukraine; therefore, strengthening air defense and intelligence remains a key priority.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this while commenting on the decisions of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff and the current situation at the front.

Threat of strikes and Air Defence status 

The President emphasized that after signals from russia about refusing a Christmas “ceasefire”, Ukrainian intelligence was instructed to intensify monitoring of enemy actions. According to him, between December 23 and 25 the enemy may resort to massive air attacks.

Air defense was the main issue at the Staff meeting. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the shortage of air defense systems remains a serious problem, and the military is forced to protect cities and communities under conditions of limited resources. At the same time, Ukraine is working to strengthen air defense, including contracts with the United States to procure several dozen Patriot systems.

Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad

The situation in the Pokrovsk area, according to the President, remains under control. Inside the city there are about 1,100 russian troops, with significantly more on the outskirts. Ukrainian units hold their positions, and the nature of hostilities over the past month has not changed significantly, except for the number of enemy personnel.

In Myrnohrad, strong pressure from russian forces is being recorded, but the Defense Forces continue to hold the lines.

Kupiansk and Huliapole

The President reported advances by Ukrainian troops in Kupiansk — clearance operations are ongoing to a depth of up to half a kilometer. The city remains under the control of the Defense Forces, and the number of russian troops there is estimated at about 80–100 personnel.

In the Huliaipole area, the situation has stabilized over the past week after a difficult period.

Situation in Sumy region 

Separately, Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about an incident on the border with russia in one of the settlements of Sumy region. Fifty-two Ukrainian civilians remained in the village, including women and children. According to the President, russian troops captured these people.

The captivity of 13 Ukrainian servicemen was also confirmed. Zelenskyy emphasized that the Defense Forces had the ability to destroy the enemy with artillery or drones, but refrained from strikes in order not to endanger civilians.

The President assured that positions in this area will be restored, and the issue of returning the people will require separate decisions.