In his traditional Christmas address to the nation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered one of his most emotionally charged messages yet, stating that Ukrainians share a single wish as, according to ancient belief, “the sky opens” on Christmas night — the end of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Referring to a long-standing Ukrainian tradition, Zelensky said that Christmas Eve is believed to be a moment when wishes spoken from the heart can come true.
A Wish Born of War and Suffering
“Since ancient times, Ukrainians have believed that on Christmas night, the sky opens. And if you share your dream, it will surely come true,” Zelensky said.
“Today, we all share one dream. And we have one wish — for all of us.”
Without mentioning Putin by name, Zelensky added:
“Let him perish, each of us may think quietly,” a statement widely understood as a direct reference to the Russian leader.
Putin’s Responsibility for Destruction
Zelensky stressed that this sentiment is not rooted in hatred, but in the immense suffering inflicted by Putin’s war of aggression, which has devastated Ukrainian cities, killed civilians, and destroyed critical infrastructure.
“When we turn to God, we ask for something greater,” Zelensky continued.
“We ask for peace for Ukraine. We fight for it. We pray for it. And we deserve it.”
Christmas Under Russian Missiles
Since launching the full-scale invasion in early 2022, Russia has repeatedly used the Christmas period not for ceasefires, but for intensified attacks, underscoring what Kyiv and its allies describe as Putin’s deliberate cruelty and disregard for civilian life.
On December 25, 2022, during the first Christmas of the full-scale war, Russia launched massive missile and drone strikes targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing widespread blackouts and civilian casualties.
A Call for Peace and Normal Life
Zelensky concluded his address by expressing hope for a future where Ukrainian families can live in harmony, and where children can celebrate Christmas with gifts, smiles, and faith in goodness and miracles — a future he says cannot exist as long as Putin remains in power and the war continues.
