As Kyiv's forces fight on the front line on December 24 in the Kharkiv region, soldiers took time to celebrate Christmas according to the Western Calendar. Ukraine is officially celebrating Christmas for the first time on December 25 instead of the January date more closely linked to Russia.
Frontline Ukrainian Troops Celebrate First Christmas According To Western Calendar
Ukrainian soldiers receive a blessing during Christmas Eve mass on December 24 near the city of Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region.
Kyiv is defying Moscow as it celebrates Christmas for the first time on December 25 instead of on January 7, the day observed by the Russian Orthodox Church.
The service was attended by Ukraine's 4th Ivan Vyhovskiy Separate Tank Brigade and local worshipers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed a law in July moving the official Christmas Day holiday to December 25.
A traditional Christmas Eve dinner is prepared by Ukrainian service members on December 24.
The change brings Ukraine's Orthodox believers in line with the country's Catholics, who earlier this year approved a similar change in calendars.
Soldiers enjoy their Christmas Eve dinner, and a brief break in action, before heading out and taking up positions.
The tank unit had little time to celebrate as fighting continues to rage in the region.
Ukrainian soldiers board 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer before it moves into a firing position.
A soldier peers above his hatch on the Gvozdika as his unit prepares for action.
Ukrainian service members fire the 2S1 self-propelled howitzer at Russian positions near the front line town of Kupyansk on Christmas Eve.
According to the Ukrainian military, 66 combat clashes took place between Ukrainian forces and the invading Russian Army over the past 24 hours.
A cloud of smoke emanates from the gun after a shell is launched toward Russian positions.