Zelensky: Ukraine will create its own Christmas miracle

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivers a video address on Christmas Chinese New Year’s Eve Eve in Kiev on December 24, 2022. (Reuters video screenshot)

WASHINGTON — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday that although Russia’s attack has plunged millions into darkness, Ukrainians will work their own miracle this Christmas, showing that they still will not give in.

In his speech on the day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine 10 months ago, Zelensky said that while the cost of freedom is high, the cost of enslavement will be even greater. The war has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions.

“We endured at the beginning of the war — we endured attacks, threats, nuclear blackmail, terror, and missile strikes,” he said. We will endure this winter because we know what we are fighting for. ”

Since October, Russia’s relentless missile and drone attacks have wreaked havoc on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, often cutting off water and heat in major cities.

Zelensky made the remarks in a video address to Ukrainians celebrating Christmas in December. Most Ukrainians are Orthodox Christians, and they commemorate the holiday in early January.

“Even in complete darkness, we find each other hugging tightly. Without heating, we would cuddle each other for a long time to warm each other,” he said.

“We will smile and be happy as usual. There is a little difference – we do not wait for miracles, because miracles are of our own creation. ”

The video, which is less than 9 minutes long, was shot outdoors at night, with only a few white lights and a Christmas tree in the background.

Zelensky noted that Ukrainian troops are fighting in the eastern regions of Donbas, while others are fleeing Russian aggression and are in exile at home and abroad.

“We have been fighting them for more than 300 days and eight years. Can we let their delusions succeed?” Zelensky was referring to Russia’s occupation of Crimea in 2014.

(This article is based on a Reuters report.)