'Evil will lose': Zelenskyy, Zaluzhnyi, and Shmyhal greet Ukrainians with Christmas
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (president.gov.ua)
Today, on December 24, Ukraine celebrates Christmas Eve on the eve of Christmas. This is the second Christmas that Ukrainians will celebrate in the conditions of a full-scale war with Russia.
RBC-Ukraine tells how Ukrainians were greeted by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Valerii Zaluzhnyi.
Zelenskyy in his video greeting called for prayers for the end of the war and victory. He also reminded how the gifts, values, and traditions of Ukrainians have changed.
"Today, what matters most is not how we decorate our homes, but how we protect our homes and clean them of garbage - sweep the enemy out of our homes. How we rejoice when we see the first star in the evening sky and don't see enemy rockets and Shaheds in it. How hundreds of our carols sound joyfully and clearly, and just three words: "air raid siren off'," said the president.
The head of state also mentioned those who are defending Ukrainians on the front lines today.
"The time on Christmas Eve is the time of the longest nights of the year. But already tomorrow, the day begins to grow, and light begins to conquer. The light becomes stronger. And step by step, day by day, darkness loses. And eventually, darkness loses. 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 of Ukraine congratulated Ukrainian servicemen defending Ukraine on Christmas and called on Ukrainians to honor their heroism.
"I congratulate you on the bright holiday of Christmas! All soldiers, sailors, sergeants, and officers, all the warriors who fight with weapons in hand so that darkness does not engulf the world. Let us honor those in these days who are not with us, those who gave their lives for our country, truth, and freedom," emphasized Zaluzhnyi.
In his address, Prime Minister Shmyhal reminded that it is thanks to the soldiers that Ukrainians celebrate the Christmas holidays in a free, independent, and unbroken Ukraine.
"Wherever we are tonight - on the front lines or in the rear, at home or temporarily away, with friends or comrades, at the family table or on the night shift - we are together. I wish that everyone feels the goodness and warmth of the unbroken unity of the Ukrainian people," he said.
Christmas in Ukraine began to be celebrated on December 25 only in 2023. This change occurred due to the transition to the New Julian calendar. Most countries around the world also celebrate Christmas on this date.
