By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned Russia’s Christmas Eve missile attacks on Ukraine, sharing footage of the devastation. The ministry emphasized Russia’s continued aggression and reaffirmed unwavering Estonian support for Ukraine. This support aims to achieve a just and lasting peace through the withdrawal of Russian forces to their pre-invasion borders. The attack involved over 70 missiles and 100 drones, with Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepting a significant portion. A Russian missile also reportedly violated Moldovan airspace.
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Russia’s actions consistently demonstrate a disregard for human life, even during the Christmas season. The devastation wrought in Ukraine, the callous disregard for civilian lives in bombings, and the blatant disregard for international norms paint a grim picture. This isn’t a matter of isolated incidents; it’s a pattern of behavior that speaks volumes about the regime’s priorities. The expectation that Ukraine should adhere to the rules of war while Russia acts with impunity is fundamentally unjust. It’s crucial to level the playing field and empower Ukraine to defend itself effectively against this aggression.
The contrast between Russia’s actions and the actions of other nations is stark. While the world marks Christmas with traditions of peace and goodwill, Russia continues its brutal assault. It’s difficult to point to any significant cultural or technological contributions from Russia to the world in recent decades. In contrast, many Western nations have made numerous contributions in diverse fields, showcasing innovation and advancement. This disparity is indicative of a larger systemic issue.
The claim that Russia is unaware of the differing Christmas dates is unconvincing. The discrepancy between the Julian and Gregorian calendars is well-known, and Russia’s Orthodox Church adheres to the Julian calendar, celebrating Christmas on January 7th. This knowledge doesn’t excuse the ongoing violence. The suggestion that Ukraine could use this date for a significant counter-offensive is provocative, but such a suggestion underscores the desperation born from Russia’s unrelenting aggression.
The historical origins of Christmas itself are fascinating, reflecting the blend of Roman pagan traditions and Judeo-Christian beliefs. The date of December 25th, initially a Roman festival, was adopted by Christianity, and the subsequent divergence between the Julian and Gregorian calendars led to differing celebration dates among various Christian denominations. While many Eastern Orthodox churches have shifted to the Gregorian calendar’s December 25th, the Russian Orthodox Church continues to observe Christmas on January 7th, highlighting a complex interplay of religious tradition and calendrical systems. The fact that this difference in calendar dates doesn’t impact Russia’s continued violence further highlights the brutality of their actions.
Ukraine’s decision to also celebrate Christmas on December 25th, aligning with the West symbolically, reflects its growing solidarity with Western nations in the face of Russian aggression. This decision is a strategic move, demonstrating Ukraine’s commitment to international norms and its determination to reject the narrative imposed by Russia.
Ultimately, the statement “Russia knows only destruction and death, even at Christmas” is a stark yet accurate assessment. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine serves as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked aggression and the urgent need for a just and lasting resolution. While discussions about calendars and differing Christmas dates offer interesting historical context, they pale in significance compared to the human cost of Russia’s actions. The need for accountability and an end to the violence is paramount.