Zelenskyy Wishes for Putin’s Death in Fiery Christmas Message: “Russia’s Atheists Reject Ceasefire, Prolong War”
Kyiv – December 25, 2025 – As Christmas celebrations swept across the globe with prayers for peace and prosperity, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a stark and unfiltered holiday address, declaring that the “only wish” of all Ukrainians this Christmas is the death of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In his annual Christmas video message, Zelenskyy lambasted Russia as a nation of “atheists” unwilling to honor even the sanctity of the holiday. He expressed solidarity with Pope Francis’s disappointment over Moscow’s rejection of a proposed Christmas truce – a move Zelenskyy said prolongs the suffering in Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II.
A Holiday Marred by War
Zelenskyy highlighted that this marks the fourth Christmas Ukrainians have endured under Russian aggression, with no respite in sight. “Moscow has not only rejected requests to at least minimize killings on this sacred day,” he said, “but instead launched massive missile and drone strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid, causing blackouts and continuing assaults on the front lines.”
Traditionally, Orthodox Christians in Ukraine observe Christmas on January 7 per the Julian calendar. However, Zelenskyy shifted the official date two years ago to align with the Western Gregorian calendar – a symbolic break from Russian influence.
Call for Global Unity Against Aggression
The president urged world leaders to amplify calls for peace: “It is extremely important that all people worldwide raise their voices against this war and prevent Russia from normalizing its brutality, terror, and aggression against our people.”
He praised those standing with Ukraine, adding: “I urge all responsible leaders to support peace, like the Pope, and we appreciate every sign of solidarity.”
Christmas Amid Conflict
Zelenskyy’s message comes as Russian forces intensify attacks, including a Christmas Eve barrage that left thousands without power in freezing conditions. Despite the grim tone, he ended on a note of resilience: “We will prevail – but the world must not look away.”
As families worldwide exchanged gifts and goodwill, Ukraine’s plea underscores the war’s human toll – a somber reminder that peace remains elusive in Europe’s frozen battlefields.
