Overview
- Zelensky said Russia cannot occupy or bomb what matters most to Ukrainians, citing their heart, faith in one another, and unity.
- He highlighted that Ukrainians now celebrate Christmas on the same date as one family, underscoring a shared national identity.
- The address urged prayers for front-line troops to return alive, for prisoners to come home, for fallen defenders to be remembered, and for those displaced or under occupation.
- He acknowledged that many privately wish for Vladimir Putin’s death but said Ukrainians ultimately pray for a just peace for their country.
- His remarks followed a Dec. 23 assault of at least 635 drones and 38 missiles that killed at least three people, injured 12, and left Rivne, Ternopil, and Khmelnytskyi oblasts almost completely without electricity, which he condemned as “godless” attacks using Shaheds, ballistic missiles, and Kinzhal strikes.