The regional authorities said that another 68 people were injured and called on local residents to urgently donate blood.
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“Even in complete darkness, we will find each other to hug each other tightly. And if there is no heat, we will embrace each other for a long time to warm one another,” Zelensky said.
In the clip, which lasted just under nine minutes, he further added, “We will celebrate our holidays! As always. We will smile and be happy. As always. The difference is one. We will not wait for a miracle. After all, we create it ourselves.”
The video was filmed outside at night with just a few white lights and a Christmas tree in the background.
Zelensky further noted that Ukrainian troops were fighting battles in the eastern Donbas region while others were in exile both home and abroad, having fled the Russians.
“We have been fighting them for more than 300 days and eight years. Will we allow them to achieve what they want?” he said, referring to Russia’s 2014 occupation of Crimea.
(With inputs from Reuters)