Ukraine's Ministry of Defense reassures kids that Santa and his reindeer won't be shot down by Russian missiles
- Ukrainian defenses will keep Santa safe from Russian missiles, Ukraine's MOD tweeted.
- President Zelenskyy said Ukrainian children are requesting air defenses from Saint Nicholas.
Ukraine's Ministry of Defense tweeted an endearing reassurance to the country's children on Tuesday, saying that its air defenses would keep Santa safe from Russian missiles.
"Our children are worried about Russian missiles shooting down Santa, who will fly over Ukraine," the message said. "But [Ukraine's] air defense guarantees a safe flight for him and his reindeer over our land."
Ukraine's traditional Christmas begins on January 6, but Western-style Christmas, with festivities starting on December 24, is increasingly popular.
However, the Christmas period this year comes amid continued fighting in Ukraine.
On Monday, Ukraine celebrated Saint Nicholas day, when a Santa-like figure brings gifts overnight. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told leaders of the Joint Expeditionary Force group of nations on Monday that children in Ukraine have been asking the saint for air defenses to bring the country victory, CNN reported.
"Ukrainian children in their letters to St. Nicholas are asking for air defense, for weapons, for victory – a victory for them, a victory for all Ukrainians. They understand everything, our children. Let us act!" Zelenskyy said, per the network.
Air defense remains one of Ukraine's gravest concerns as Russia's invasion continues with no end in sight.
According to a report by British think tank RUSI, Russia's fighting aircraft remain more advanced than those Ukraine is able to field.
Ukraine has relied heavily on relatively low-tech anti-aircraft artillery to counter the onslaught of drones, missiles and jets, with notable success.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration is set to send Ukraine the Patriot missile system, its most advanced air defense system, a senior administration official told The Washington Post on Tuesday.
This comes as part of a $2 billion package of renewed aid, to be unveiled during Zelenskyy's visit to the US Capitol on Wednesday, the Post reported.