Tensions remain high in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with Russian fighters resuming shelling of Kherson.
According to reports, they are striking residential neighborhoods at all hours of the day and night.
PThe Russian occupiers were earlier said to be using mostly projectiles, mines and rockets, but recently, they are said to be increasingly shelling people’s homes with incendiary munitions.
Some fleeing residents in Kherson say before now, the forces shelled seven to 10 times a day, but now they are stepping up to 70 to 80 times daily.
Reports say more than 400 people have left Kherson since Christmas Day.
On Tuesday, a hospital maternity ward was shelled. No-one was hurt but the shelling has further escalated fear among the people.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President, Volodymr Zelensky says the Donbas region now require maximum strength and concentration.
In his nightly address, he described the situation there as difficult and acute.
According to President Zelensky, the occupiers are using all resources available to them – which are significant , to ensure they advance.
He expressed gratitude to Ukrainian soldiers and the people, for holding their positions firmly, as that stand will lead to the release of more Ukrainians.
President Zelensky commended the 80th and 95th separate airborne assault brigades, for the successful destruction of the enemy force in the Lyman region and thanked all the workers of Ukraine’s energy companies, and the repair crews for making it possible for Ukrainians to have light Christmas Eve and Christmas day.
He concluded that there are threats that must be eliminated and Ukraine will take steps to eliminate them..
Earlier this year, several Eastern Ukrainian Towns were shelled as Russia pushed for full control of Donbas
Ukrainian soldiers battled to retain control of two villages as they came under Russian shelling, said Serhiy Hayday, the governor of Luhansk.
Russian and proxy forces had entered the town of Soledar in Donetsk and could take it in a couple of days.
The city of Bakhmut faced heavy shelling as the current focus of Russia’s offensive, said Pavlo Kyrylenko, head of the Donetsk regional military administration.
Russia also struck 28 settlements in the Mykolayiv region bordering the Black Sea, killing at least five civilians, according to Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraine’s presidential office.
