Zelensky Celebrates Downing of Russian Jets Setting ‘Mood’ for Next Year

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that Ukraine’s armed forces had downed five Russian aircraft in a week, voicing confidence this would bolster the country in its conflict with Russia.

Zelensky said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that the effort was encouraging for the country’s holiday spirit at Christmas.

“Russian terrorists lost five aircraft in a week. This Christmas sets the right mood for the entire year ahead—the mood of our capabilities,” Zelensky wrote. “Capabilities in negotiations with partners. Capabilities in bolstering our sky shield. Capabilities in defending our homeland from Russian terrorists.”

Zelensky said that Ukrainian soldiers had managed to shoot down about 30 Shahed drones and several missiles, but also two more Russian “Su” aircraft.

“The stronger our air defense, the fewer Russian fiends will be in our skies and on our land,” the Ukrainian leader added.

Ukraine said earlier on Monday its armed forces had destroyed two Russian warplanes—an Su-30 and an Su-34—on Christmas Eve. Last week, Kyiv said its forces shot down three Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers. Newsweek has not independently verified the claims.

Newsweek contacted Russian authorities via email for comment on Monday.

Marking Ukraine’s second Christmas at war, Zelensky used the post on X to thank the country’s troops.

“I appreciate all those who secure our country’s defense both on Christmas and on weekdays, who withstand enemy attacks and show steadfastness wherever they are,” he wrote. “Everyone who helps. I am thankful to each and every one of you!

“Merry Christmas, dear Ukrainians! May this bright time make the entire next year brighter for us,” he added.

Ukraine has been engaged in an almost two-year war with Russia since Moscow invaded in February 2022. After initial support from the U.S. and European powers, there has been a waning of support for funding of the war effort.

In the U.S., the Biden administration has been deadlocked with Congress over funding of Ukraine’s aid. Officials said recently that the Pentagon and the White House were running out of funds to aid Ukraine by the end of the year.

Public opinion over the support of Ukraine in the U.S. has grown lukewarm and some Republicans in Congress have also grown skeptical of continual support of the eastern European nation in its battle against Russia.

Zelensky visited Washington earlier this month to argue for more aid for his country. The visit proved less fruitful than he had hoped and legislators left for the holidays last week without an agreement to fund aid for the country.

But the Ukrainian leader sounded optimistic about the support from Washington.

“I am confident that the United States will not betray us,” Zelensky told reporters last week.