While the Russian attacks on Ukraine continue into Christmas, President Zelenskyj encourages the Ukrainians. "We will bring freedom back to all Ukrainian women and men," he says, appealing to his compatriots to persevere.
After new Russian attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj called on people to hold on in an emotional video message at Christmas. "We endured attacks, threats, nuclear blackmail, terror and rocket attacks. Let's get through this winter because we know what we're fighting for," said Zelenskyy in a video distributed on Christmas Eve. He was standing in the dark on the street with a Christmas tree and dim lights in the background.
"We believe that tears will give way to joy, that hope will come after despair and death will be conquered by life," said Zelenskyy. Millions of people in Ukraine and around the world are celebrating Christmas these days, he said. The President recalled Ukrainians who fled abroad or had to spend Christmas in Russian captivity. "We will bring freedom back to all Ukrainian women and men."
After the Russian attacks on the country's energy infrastructure, the streets and houses may not shine as brightly as usual this year, Zelensky said. But no Russian drone or missile can break the spirit of Christmas. "And even in total darkness we will find each other to hug each other tightly. And if there is no heating, we will warm each other with a big hug," said Zelenskyy. "We will smile and be happy, as always. There is only one difference - we will not wait for a miracle, because we create it ourselves."
Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko also sent Christmas greetings via social media. The festival strengthens faith in hearts, he said. "We especially thank the defenders who are far from their hometowns and their relatives." They are in the process of bringing victory closer and closer to Ukraine. In Ukraine, December 25 is both an official Christmas Day and January 7, when Orthodox Christians celebrate.
At least seven people were killed and 58 others injured in a Russian attack on the southern Ukrainian city of Cherson on Saturday, according to Ukrainian sources. Selenskyj had spoken of an act of "terror" with which Russia wanted to "intimidate" the Ukrainians.
