Russian Bombing on One of Christianity’s Holiest Days Sparks US Condemnation
US Senators from both the Democratic and Republican parties condemned Russia’s killings of Ukrainian civilians during Christmas celebrations.
The Gaze reports on this, referring to a statement published in the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
In a joint statement, senators including Jeanne Shaheen, Thom Tillis, Jacky Rosen, John Barrasso, Chris Coons, Angus King, Jerry Moran, Jeff Merkley, and Chris Van Hollen sharply condemned the Kremlin’s attacks, which took place on a holy and important day for Christians worldwide. The attacks affected several Ukrainian cities, including Kherson, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy, Donetsk, and Kryvyi Rih.
The senators emphasized that Ukraine had agreed to a Christmas truce, but Russia refused to observe it.
US officials also highlighted the history of Christmas ceasefires even during wars, including notably during World War I.
"Today’s decision by Putin to launch attacks rather than hold fire is a sobering reminder for us all: Putin is a ruthless murderer who has no interest in peace and cannot be trusted," the statemet reads.
The senators also expressed support for Ukrainians, who, despite the war and attacks, continue to celebrate the birth of Christ.
"Ukrainians’ faith is a stronger force than the evil unleashed today by the Kremlin,” they concluded.
As Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, informed, Russian attacks on Christmas night resulted in one person being killed and two injured in Odesa, while single civilian deaths were reported in Kharkiv and Chernihiv. Additional injuries occurred among residents in Zaporizhzhia and Sumy regions, highlighting the continued impact of indiscriminate strikes on Ukrainian civilians.
Sybiha condemned the attacks, emphasizing that Russia’s actions have no military purpose and are aimed solely at killing Ukrainians.
"No military purpose—just Russia’s intent to kill people because they are Ukrainians. Such actions fall under Article II (c) of the 1948 Genocide Convention," he wrote, calling on the international community to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and increase pressure on the aggressor.
Also reporting on Russia’s shameful actions, Zelenskyy spoke with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. He said the Russian military continued brutal attacks on Ukraine even on Christmas Eve and Christmas night, targeting civilian areas and energy infrastructure.
Zelenskyy described these actions as barbaric, aimed at killing civilians, and noted that the aggressor shows no remorse.
"This is exactly what Russia has become, and it is not ashamed of it at all. On the contrary, they are trying to turn their thirst for murder into a source of national pride in Russia," he said.
As The Gaze reported earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a constructive Christmas talk with representatives of US President Donald Trump’s team regarding ways to bring an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine.