“Ukrainian children see rocket fire instead of Christmas lights," - Ukraine at OSCE

This was stated by Ukraine's permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, Yevhenii Tsymbaliuk, during a recent meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council on Thursday, as reported by Ukrinform.

"Russia continues its nightly attacks on Ukraine. Instead of Christmas lights, children in Ukraine see rocket and drone fire in the sky," he said.

The Ukrainian ambassador informed that Russia had resumed the use of strategic aviation after a 79-day pause. "On December 8, Ukraine was attacked by 19 cruise missiles from Tu-95. 14 missiles were intercepted. On December 11, Russia launched eight ballistic missiles at the Ukrainian capital. Yesterday, Russia again attacked Kyiv with 10 'Iskander-M' missiles and S-400 ballistic missiles," he stated.

Tsymbaliuk noted that although the missiles heading towards the Ukrainian capital were successfully shot down, 53 people were injured by rocket fragments, including 6 children.

"Considering the scale of the attack, there could have been more casualties. Thanks to the air defense systems provided by participating states, many lives were saved. We are grateful for this. Nevertheless, further sky protection remains among our key priorities," emphasized the head of the Ukrainian mission to the OSCE.

He also added that the destruction of critical infrastructure is an integral part of Russia's total war against Ukraine. Against this backdrop, the Ukrainian ambassador reported that last night, Ukraine, primarily in the Odesa region, including the port infrastructure in Izmail, was attacked by 42 'Shahid' drones, resulting in 11 civilians being affected, including three children.