Ukrainian soldiers celebrate Christmas on frontline of war

In the front lines of eastern Ukraine, soldiers are spending another Christmas locked in grinding battles with Russian forces. It is their second Christmas at war and away from home since the February 2022 full-scale invasion.

For many, however, the day brought hope and faith that there would one day be peace.

"I hold more hope that our president, I believe that he will come to an agreement. I believe in him, I believe that his diplomatic path is correct. It's all faith, just believing." Said Ukrainian soldier Valerii who declined to give his surname.

Ukrainians expect the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump will bring about a ceasefire deal, and many soldiers who have borne the brunt of nearly three years of fighting said they hoped this to be true.

"Christmas is a family holiday but unfortunately we can't be with our families right now. That is why we are united by our military family," said Military chaplain Roman Kostenko of the 117th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade.