Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a holiday address that blended religious tradition with a sharp denunciation of Russia’s actions, accusing Moscow of godlessness while expressing a collective Ukrainian longing for peace.
Overnight, Russian forces launched another wave of aerial attacks, firing drones and missiles across Ukraine. Zelensky pointed to those strikes as evidence of Russia’s moral bankruptcy, saying: “on the eve of [the holiday] the Russians once again showed us who they truly are, massive shelling, hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles… this is how the Godless strike. This is how those act who have absolutely nothing in common with Christianity or anything human, but we are holding on”.
The president spoke as Ukrainians marked the Christian holiday. In his remarks, Zelensky reflected on “love for our homes, our roots, our traditions,” and contrasted those values with what he described as the brutality of the Russian invasion.
Turning directly to the conflict, Zelensky said that attempts to strip Ukrainians of their traditions had become part of the war effort. “for the fourth year in a row there have been attempts to take [the holiday] away from us, and that is exactly what we are defending today, our land, our families, that longed-for feeling of peace, and calm in our own home… despite all the suffering Russia has brought, it is not capable of bombing what matters most, our Ukrainian heart.”
Without mentioning Russian President Vladimir Putin by name, Zelensky made an implicit reference that suggested a deadly wish directed at Moscow’s leader. He said: “Since ancient times, Ukrainians have believed on [the holiday] night that the heavens open and if you tell them your dream, it will surely come true. Today we share one dream, and we make one wish for all of us. ‘May he perish’, each of us may think to ourselves.”
He quickly added that Ukrainians were also turning their prayers toward a broader hope. Zelensky said the nation was asking God for “something greater, we ask for peace in Ukraine.”
{Matzav.com}
