Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation on Christmas eve, saying that the country had one wish – for their enemy to be defeated, while openly praying for peace, justice and the war to end. What grabbed everyone’s attention was his indirect mention of Putin where, according to the Washington Post, he said, “May he perish, each of us may think privately, but when we turn to god, of course, we ask for more. We ask for peace for Ukraine. We fight for it. And we pray for it.”
Speaking to Ukrainians through a video message, Zelensky said: “My dear people, since ancient times, Ukrainians believed that on Christmas night, the heavens open. And if you tell them your dream, it will surely come true. Today, we all have one dream. And we have one wish for everyone: ‘May he perish,’ as everyone says to themselves”.
He appeared to refer to Putin, then added: “But when we turn to God, of course, we ask for something greater. “We ask for peace for Ukraine. We fight for it. And we pray for it. And we deserve it.”
Merry Christmas! pic.twitter.com/okj9Yr1bFe
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 24, 2025
Zelenskyy also expressed hope that goodness and truth would win. He said: “That there may be a victory of peace. That there may be us. And that there may be Ukraine.”
Zelenskyy’s address to Ukraine as Russia continues to attack
His speech came as Russia continued attacks on Ukraine, targeting critical energy infrastructure on Christmas Eve. At least one person was injured in strikes on the cities of Kharkiv and Sumy.
Earlier, Zelenskyy shared details of an updated 20-point peace plan with journalists. He said he would be willing to withdraw troops from Ukraine’s eastern industrial region if Moscow also pulls back and the area becomes a demilitarised zone monitored by international forces.
The proposal offered another possible compromise on the Donbas region, a major sticking point in peace talks. Kyiv said the latest draft, agreed during long talks with Washington, is now under Moscow’s review.
Russia’s position remains unclear
Russia has not shown any sign it will agree to withdraw from the land it holds. Moscow has demanded Ukraine give up the rest of the Donbas, an ultimatum Ukraine has rejected. Russia has captured most of Luhansk and about 70% of Donetsk, which together make up the Donbas.
A source told Bloomberg that Russia sees the 20-point plan as a starting point but believes it “lacks provisions important for Russia and fails to answer many questions.” Russia is expected to demand major changes and will study the “fairly typical Ukrainian plan with a cool head,” the source said.
Earlier this week, Russia launched one of its heaviest attacks of the war, using more than 600 drones and 30 missiles.
