Zelenskyy Calls for Peace Amid Ongoing Russian Attacks on Christmas

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a poignant Christmas Eve address, expressing a collective desire among Ukrainians for peace and reflecting on the ongoing conflict with Russia. In a speech that resonated with deep emotion, Zelenskyy invoked a traditional belief that the heavens open on Christmas night, allowing dreams to come true. He hinted at a wish for the demise of Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating, "Since ancient times, Ukrainians have believed that, on Christmas night, the heavens open. And if you tell them your dream, it will surely come true. Today, we all share one dream. And we make one wish – for all of us. 'May he perish,' each of us may think to ourselves."

Zelenskyy emphasised the need for peace, stating, "We ask for peace for Ukraine. We fight for it. And we pray for it. And we deserve it." He called for harmony among families and joy for children, urging Ukrainians to cherish moments of warmth and togetherness during the holiday season.

The backdrop of his address was marked by renewed violence as Russia launched significant attacks on Ukraine, which have historically intensified during the Christmas period. On 25 December 2022, for instance, Moscow conducted a major missile and drone assault that resulted in widespread blackouts and civilian casualties. This year, the situation was no different, as Russian forces reportedly launched 131 drones on Christmas Eve, causing fatalities and injuries across various regions, including Kherson and Odesa.

As the conflict continues, Zelenskyy acknowledged the toll of war on Ukrainian society, stating, "For the fourth year in a row – the fourth year of the full-scale war for independence – there have been attempts to take all of this away from us. And this is exactly what we are defending today: our land, our families, that longed-for feeling of peace and calm in our own home."

His remarks came on the same day that he outlined details of a proposed peace agreement with the United States, aimed at resolving the ongoing war with Russia. However, key issues, particularly concerning territorial control in eastern Ukraine and the management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, remain unresolved. The future of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, collectively known as the Donbas, is a central focus of these negotiations.

Despite ongoing hostilities, Zelenskyy urged unity among Ukrainians, stating, "And that is how it will be today, because it does not matter whether we are apart or face to face, Ukrainians are together."

As the conflict persists, the international community watches closely, with many hoping for a resolution that can bring lasting peace to Ukraine. The Ukrainian leader concluded his address with an appeal for goodness and truth to prevail, echoing the sentiments of many in his country who yearn for an end to the violence.

"That there may be a victory of peace. That there may be us. And that there may be Ukraine," he stated, encapsulating the hopes of a nation enduring the hardships of war.