In a stark and emotional Christmas message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed a wish for the demise of his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin while praying for peace for his embattled nation. The address highlighted Ukraine's resilience as it endured another wave of deadly Russian bombardments over the festive period.
Festive Period Marred by Deadly Attacks
President Zelensky's pointed remarks came against a backdrop of continued violence. Russia sustained its assault on Ukraine with missiles and drones throughout Christmas. The attacks resulted in the deaths of at least three people on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, with two more fatalities reported on Christmas night in the cities of Odesa and Kharkiv.
The Ukrainian leader's message, delivered on Thursday 25 December, served as a grim reflection of the war's toll. While offering prayers for peace and the safety of Ukrainian citizens, his stark words towards the Russian president underscored the profound personal and national animosity fuelled by the prolonged conflict.
Diplomatic Moves and Military Actions
Amidst the fighting, President Zelensky indicated a significant potential concession for peace. He stated an openness to establishing a demilitarised zone in eastern Ukraine, suggesting Ukrainian troop withdrawals could occur if Russia reciprocated and international forces provided robust monitoring.
Discussions around a potential peace plan are reportedly advancing. This follows a proposal by former US President Donald Trump, which was initially viewed as favouring Moscow. The perception prompted Ukraine and its Western allies to work on adjustments, with American negotiators now actively engaging both sides to broker a viable agreement.
Cross-Border Strikes Intensify
The war's front lines extended far beyond Ukraine's borders over Christmas. Russian authorities claimed their air defences intercepted 25 Ukrainian drones near Moscow. Meanwhile, Ukraine's military reported successful long-range drone operations.
Kyiv's forces claimed to have struck an industrial site in Russia's Tula region and a facility producing marine drones in Russian-occupied Crimea. These attacks demonstrate Ukraine's growing capability to project force deep into Russian-held territory, aiming to disrupt military logistics and production.
The exchange of festive messages and escalating drone warfare paints a picture of a conflict with no end in sight. President Zelensky's Christmas address, blending defiance with a plea for peace, encapsulates the tragic duality of a nation celebrating its traditions while fighting for its very survival.
