Russia's military invasion of Ukraine continues.
Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to fight in various parts of Ukraine, and many civilians are fleeing the country. We will update you on the situation in Ukraine on the 7th (Japan time), including the situation of the battle and the diplomacy of the countries concerned.
(There is a 7-hour time difference between Japan and Ukraine, and 6 hours with Moscow, Russia.)
Ukraine lights up Christmas trees earlier than usual
A 12-meter-high Christmas tree was installed in the square in front of St. Sophia Cathedral in the center of Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, and illuminations were lit to coincide with Mayor Klitschko's countdown on the 6th.
In Ukraine, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has used the same calendar as the Russian Orthodox Church, but amid strong opposition to Russia, which continues its military invasion, it has been decided to use the same calendar as the Roman Catholic Church, etc., and Christmas has been changed from January 1 to December 7.
For this reason, the Christmas tree, which was installed about two weeks early, was decorated with blue and yellow heart-shaped decorations, which are the colors of the Ukrainian flag, and visitors enjoyed the illumination by taking pictures in front of the tree with friends and family.
A 12-year-old man who came to see the tree said, "Even though the war continues, looking at the tree gives me a positive feeling, and it's good to change the calendar and be free from Russia. I hope there will be peace next year."
President Biden asks for budget approval to 'not let Putin win'
The Biden administration in the United States has made it clear that it will run out by the end of the year unless Congress approves a new budget over military support for Ukraine, which continues to be invaded by Russia.
President Biden held a press conference on the 6th and said, "The reason why President Putin has not been able to take control of Ukraine is because we support him."
"We can't let President Putin win, and I want you to think about what the rest of the world will do if we don't support him," he said, emphasizing the role of the United States, the largest donor to Ukraine, and urging Congress to approve the budget before the year-end recess.
In October, the Biden administration requested an emergency budget of more than $10 billion from Congress to support Ukraine and Israel, but the opposition party and the Republican Party said that the condition was to strengthen border control with Mexico.
At the press conference, President Biden also indicated that he would make some concessions to the Republican side over border control, but it is unclear whether it will lead to a breakthrough in the situation.