‘May he perish’: Zelenskyy’s Christmas Eve address carries veiled death wish for Putin as Russia launches fresh strikes

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, in a Christmas Eve address, expressed hope for peace but also wished for Putin’s demise amid ongoing Russian attacks. He emphasized Ukraine’s unity and resilience, outlining a 20-point plan for ending the war without sacrificing sovereignty.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a sharp and emotional appeal during his Christmas Eve address, appearing to wish for the death of Russian President Vladimir Putin as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues into its fourth year.

In a video message posted on X on Christmas Eve, Zelenskyy said that despite the destruction caused by Russia, Ukraine’s spirit remains unbroken. “Despite all the suffering that Russia has brought, it is not capable of occupying or bombing what matters most. That is our Ukrainian heart, our faith in one another, and our unity,” he said.

In a veiled reference to Putin, the Ukrainian leader added, “Today, we all share one dream. And we make one wish – for all of us. ‘May he perish’, each of us may think to ourselves. But when we turn to God, of course, we ask for something greater, we ask for peace for Ukraine. We fight for it, we pray for it, we deserve it.”

Zelenskyy said Ukrainians remain united by a single hope during the festive season, even as Russian attacks continue across the country. He said Christmas reflects everything that defines Ukrainians, including their love for family, homeland, traditions, and shared roots.

“It is happiness when the whole family gathers at the table. When we finally met, we hugged each other and asked each other: How are you? All this has always been an integral part of our Christmas. But in the fourth year of the full-scale war for independence, they are trying to take all this away,” he said.

The address came a day after Russia launched fresh missile and drone strikes across several Ukrainian regions. The attacks killed at least three people and caused emergency power outages in multiple areas.

Referring to the strikes, Zelenskyy said, “On the eve of Christmas, the Russians once again showed who they truly are. Massive shelling, hundreds of ‘shaheds’, ballistic missiles, Kinzhal strikes – everything was used. This is how the godless strike.”

Separately, Zelenskyy briefed reporters on a 20 point plan aimed at ending the war. He said Ukraine was ready to withdraw troops from parts of the eastern industrial heartland, but only if Russia also pulls back. He added that the area would then need to become a demilitarised zone under international monitoring.

Zelenskyy said peace remains Ukraine’s ultimate goal, but stressed that it cannot come at the cost of the country’s sovereignty and security as Russian attacks continue unabated.