President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation on Christmas Eve, recalling a traditional belief that “the heavens open” on this night and that Ukrainians make a unique wish.
“‘Let him die,’ each of us may be thinking,” Zelensky said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “But when we turn to God, of course, we ask for something greater.”
“We ask for peace for Ukraine. We fight for her. And we pray for her. And we deserve it,” Zelensky said. He added that Ukrainians want every family to live in harmony and every child to be happy with gifts, smiles and faith in goodness and miracles.
Zelensky also expressed the hope that goodness and truth will prevail: “Let there be victory of peace. Let us exist. And let there be Ukraine.”
“On Christmas Eve, the Russians once again showed who they really are. Mass bombing, hundreds of “shaheds”, ballistic missiles, Kinzhal attacks – everything was used,” said Zelensky. “This is how atheists strike. This is how those who have absolutely nothing in common with Christianity or with anything human act.”
“But we endure. We support each other. And today, we pray for all those on the front lines – that they come back alive. For all those in captivity – to return home. For all our fallen heroes who defended Ukraine at the cost of their lives.”
The video with Zelensky’s message
Merry Christmas!
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Volodymyr Zelensky (@ZelenskyyUa)
