Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave a passionate Christmas address to his people on Saturday, reminding them to have “patience and faith” after a deadly wave of Russian attacks in the city of Kherson.
“The birth of the son of God gave people hope for salvation and faith in the victory of goodness and mercy,” he shared in his video message. “Unfortunately, all the holidays have a bitter aftertaste for us this year. And we can feel the traditional spirit of Christmas differently.”
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Zelensky spoke to Ukrainians while standing in front of a tall Christmas tree with white lights as Christmas-themed instrumental music lightly played in the background.
He noted how this holiday season will be tough for Ukrainians as they deal with “empty chairs” around the family dinner table and the continuous sounds of “air raid sirens” and “gunshots.”
“Dinner at the family table cannot be so tasty and warm. There may be empty chairs around it. And our houses and streets can’t be so bright,” he said. “And Christmas bells can ring not so loudly and inspiringly, through air raid sirens or even worse — gunshots and explosions.”
Zelensky continued by reflecting on the fight between “evil and darkness.”
“We have experienced a lot of bitter news, and we will deservedly receive the good news,” he said. “We will sing carols cheerfully as ever, louder than the sound of the generator,” he continued, “and even in darkness, we will find each other to hug each other tightly.”
This Christmas marked the first since the Russian war against Ukraine began on Feb. 24.
“We will celebrate our holidays as always. We will smile and be happy as always,” he said. “The difference is one: We will not wait for a miracle. After all, we create it ourselves.”
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The Ukrainian president visited the United States last week to rally for continued American military support and to lobby Congress for a crucial $45 billion in emergency funding in the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package. Congress greenlighted the new funds, which include $19.8 billion to arm and equip Ukraine and European allies, another $12.9 billion for economic assistance, and $6.2 billion for the Defense Department.
Zelensky told lawmakers during his address before Congress, “We will celebrate Christmas, and even if no electricity, the light in our faith in ourselves will not be put out.”
