Ukraine’s President Speaks on Christmas Eve
As Ukraine marked its third Christmas during the ongoing war, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a message of hope and unity.
The address began with a traditional Ukrainian song, Shchedryk, which is known as Carol of the Bells in the West. The President highlighted that this was the second year Ukrainians were celebrating Christmas together after their churches adopted a new calendar in 2023.
“We are united,” Zelenskyy said. “Today we stand together. And we will not lose our way.”
The President also remembered composer Mykola Leontovych, who created Shchedryk for children in the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast. This area has been under attack by Russian forces for months.
Zelenskyy contrasted Ukraine’s creative spirit with Russia’s aggression, saying: “We strive to create. They seek to destroy.” He called for peace and harmony, and said all Ukrainians wanted was to live on their own land in peace.
The President also referenced Russia’s daily air attacks against Ukrainian cities, calling them a threat to Christmas joy. He criticized Russian leader Putin‘s claims of being bored with life, saying: “This shows how far from God they are.”