Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a heartfelt Christmas Eve message, invoking the country’s long-standing tradition that the “heavens open” on Christmas Eve and that wishes made on the night can come true.
Reflecting on the nation’s collective dream and desire for peace, Zelenskyy said, “May it perish,” each of us might think, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “But when we turn to God, of course we’re asking for something bigger.”
He emphasized the Ukrainian people’s struggle for peace, declaring: “We demand peace for Ukraine. We fight for it. And we pray for it. And we deserve it.” Zelensky expressed the wish that every Ukrainian family live in harmony and that children experience joy, smiles and faith in goodness and miracles.
Emphasizing the human toll of the ongoing conflict, Zelenskyy spoke of the families affected by the war and expressed hope that “the eyes of our children, the eyes of our parents, our loved ones, our families can finally stop crying.” He added: “That good and truth can win. That peace can win. That it can be us. And that it can be Ukraine.”
His speech came as Russian forces continued to strike Ukrainian territory in the days leading up to the Christmas holiday, underscoring the ongoing problems facing the country.
Zelensky condemns Russia’s rejection of the Christmas truce
Earlier in a Christmas Eve statement, Zelensky highlighted the continuing humanitarian toll of the war with Russia and expressed disappointment that Moscow had refused to accept Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal for the holiday.
“We greatly appreciate @Pontifex Leo XIV’s continued attention to all diplomatic efforts aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine and share His Holiness’s disappointment in Russia’s refusal to accept the latest Christmas truce proposal,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.
Noting the hardship his nation is facing, the Ukrainian leader said: “Unfortunately, this is the fourth Christmas of war for the Ukrainian people during total war, the biggest in Europe since World War II.”
Condemning Moscow for escalating attacks despite proposals for a truce, Zelenskyy said: “Not only has Moscow rejected a request to end the killing at least for this Holy Day, Russia has instead launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s power grid, causing blackouts and continuing attacks on the front lines. He added: “Unfortunately, Russia continues to reject genuine proposals for a truce, as it has done all year. Instead, he is clearly looking for ways to prolong the war and continue the attacks.”
Ukraine’s president called on world leaders to speak out against war and support peace efforts. “It is essential that everyone around the world speak out against this war and prevent Russia from normalizing its brutality, terror and aggression against our people. I call on all responsible leaders to support peace, as the Pope is doing, and we appreciate every such show of solidarity.”
Ukraine reveals details of US-led 20-point peace plan with Russia
Zelensky also earlier revealed the content of a new US-led peace initiative aimed at ending the war with Russia. Zelenskyy said the plan had been agreed upon by negotiators from Kyiv and Washington and was shared with Moscow for feedback. The plan will be supplemented by separate bilateral agreements on security and reconstruction.
Zelenskyy outlined a 20-point plan at a press briefing in Kyiv, emphasizing Ukraine’s sovereignty, security and post-war reconstruction.
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