Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a poignant Christmas address on December 24, 2025, expressing a heartfelt wish for the demise of Russian President Vladimir Putin. As the war in Ukraine approaches its fourth year, Zelensky emphasized the desire for peace and the end of hostilities that have devastated his nation.
Zelensky’s address, marked by a blend of festive spirit and somber reality, resonated deeply in a country grappling with ongoing violence. He stated, “We ask for peace for Ukraine. We fight for it. And we pray for it.” The sentiment encapsulates a widespread yearning among Ukrainians for an end to the conflict that has brought untold suffering.
Despite the holiday season, Zelensky acknowledged the harsh realities faced by many. “Sadly, not all of us are at home this evening, not all of us still have a home,” he remarked. He highlighted the resilience of the Ukrainian people, asserting that Russia cannot conquer the spirit and unity that define the nation. “That is our Ukrainian heart, our faith in one another, and our unity,” he added, concluding with a message of hope for the holiday.
Zelensky’s remarks come in the wake of renewed violence from Russian forces. On Christmas Eve, Russia launched a series of attacks involving shelling, drones, and missiles, which Zelensky condemned as “godless.” He criticized the actions of the Russian military, stating, “This is what those who have absolutely nothing in common with Christianity or with anything human do.”
In a disturbing development just days prior, reports emerged of Russian forces abducting 50 Ukrainian civilians from the border village of Hrabovske. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s human rights commissioner, confirmed that the group, primarily consisting of elderly women, was taken across the border into Russia. The raid has been described by Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s foreign minister, as “medieval,” likening it to the mass kidnappings perpetrated by terrorist organizations such as Boko Haram and ISIS.
Sybiha expressed outrage on social media, declaring, “With such medieval raids, Putin’s Russia shows it is no different from terrorist groups.” He called for the immediate return of the abducted civilians and highlighted the plight of thousands of others who have been forcibly deported to Russia since the conflict began.
As Ukraine continues to navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing war, Zelensky’s Christmas address serves as a reminder of the profound impact of the conflict on the lives of ordinary citizens. The desire for peace and the hope for a brighter future remain at the forefront of the national consciousness, even as the shadow of violence looms large.
