This is the second Christmas that Ukrainians are celebrating in the conditions of a full-scale war with Russia.
In a video address to the nation, President Volodymyr Zelensky called to pray for the end of the war and for victory, and also reminded how the gifts, values, and traditions of Ukrainians have changed.
“How important today is not so much how we decorate our homes, but how we protect our homes and remove garbage from them – sweep the enemy out of our homes. How happy we are when we notice the first star in the evening sky and no enemy missiles and Shahed drones there. How joyfully and resounding hundreds of our carols sound along with just the three words: ‘The air raid alert is over,’” said the president.
The head of state also noted those who protect Ukrainians today on the front lines.
“Christmas eve is the time of the longest nights of the year. But already tomorrow day hoirs will become longer, the light is beginning to win. The light is getting stronger. And step by step, day by day, the darkness is losing. And in the end, the darkness falls. Evil loses. Today is our common goal, our common dream, and that is why today is our common prayer. For our freedom. For our victory. For our Ukraine,” he emphasized.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, congratulated the Ukrainian servicemen defending Ukraine on Christmas and called on Ukrainians to honor their feat.
“I congratulate you on a bright holiday of Christmas! All soldiers, sailors, sergeants, and officers, all warriors who fight up in arms so that the darkness doesn’t engulf the world. On these days, let’s honor those who are not with us anymore, who sacrificed their lives for our country, truth, and freedom,” Zaluzhnyi emphasized.
In his address, Prime Minister Shmyhal recalled that it is thanks to the soldiers that Ukrainians celebrate the Christmas holidays in a free, independent, and indomitable Ukraine.
“And no matter where we are this evening – on the front line or in the rear, at home or temporarily not, with friends or with brothers-in-arms, at the family table or on the night shift – we are together. I wish that everyone feels the kindness and warmth of the unbreakable unity of the Ukrainian people,” he said.
