Overview
- In a pre-recorded message, he said Ukrainians may privately wish that Vladimir Putin “perish” while appealing for peace.
- He emphasized that Russia cannot occupy Ukrainians’ heart, faith, or unity, and he prayed for frontline troops, captives, and the fallen.
- Kyiv says it has reached consensus with Washington on most of a proposed 20-point plan, while disputes persist over Donetsk and the Russian‑occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
- He floated demilitarized or free economic zones guarded by international forces, with any deal contingent on public approval in a national vote.
- The address followed a Dec. 23 barrage of drones and missiles that killed and injured civilians and caused major power outages, and officials reported about 50 civilians abducted from a Sumy border village.