The patriarch of Russia's Orthodox Church, celebrating Christmas alongside Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, said on Tuesday that the Western world despised Russia and its "alternative path of civilised development".

Russia's invasion, which began in February 2022, has also been a source of religious controversy within the Eastern Orthodox Church and has driven a split among believers in both Russia and Ukraine.Vi

Russia launched aerial attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector “on a massive scale” overnight into Wednesday, local authorities said, amid intensified bombardment that has left Ukraine in a precarious position as the war grinds into a third winter.

Ukrainian officials say Russia has launched a massive missile barrage targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent special Christmas gifts to commanders deployed in Ukraine, intended to salute their bravery and boost their morale. On Orthodox Christmas Day, Putin met with Patriarch Kirill,