**Russian Church Leader Attacks West**
Moscow Patriarch Kirill, the leader of Russia’s Orthodox Church, has accused the West of “hating” Russia. He made these comments on January 7 during a Christmas Mass celebration.
According to Kirill, the West is angry with Russia because it offers an alternative way of living and developing as a society. This is not the first time Kirill has spoken out against the West, which he often criticizes for its values and morals.
Kirill’s comments come at a time when relations between Russia and Ukraine are tense. The two countries have been at odds since 2014, with fighting ongoing in the Donbas region.
**Christmas Celebrations**
On January 7, many Orthodox Christians in Russia celebrated Christmas, which falls on this date according to the Julian calendar. Some Ukrainian communities also marked the holiday, but with a different twist. In 2023, Ukraine changed its law to move Christmas celebrations to December 25, in line with Western Christianity.
During the celebration of Christmas Mass, Kirill blessed icons and crosses engraved with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s initials. These will be sent to Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine.
**Tensions Escalate**
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is escalating. The Ukrainian military reported that a Ukrainian-operated F-16 jet shot down six Russian cruise missiles during a single mission in December. This was the first time such a feat had been achieved by a Ukrainian pilot.
Other clashes along the front lines have resulted in significant losses for Russian forces, with 1,970 casualties reported over the past day. The Russian military has sent top generals to organize their defense against renewed Ukrainian attacks.
**Global Response**
The international community is responding to the conflict. Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said that Europe should not accept a deal with Russia that would allow it to regain its strength. France has also confirmed that several dozen Ukrainian soldiers serving in the French army deserted while undergoing military training.
**Investigations and Developments**
Law enforcement agents are investigating an official in Ukraine over allegations of corruption. The country’s ombudsman is also monitoring the return of prisoners from Russia, saying that if Russia keeps its word, Ukrainian society will notice significant changes.
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