Russia may carry out massive strike at Christmas: Zelenskyy orders air defenses to be strengthened
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Russia may resort to massive strikes on Ukraine during the Christmas period, despite statements denying the existence of a so-called Christmas ceasefire, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this during a meeting with diplomats.
According to him, such signals from Russia are a form of intimidation, to which Ukraine responds by strengthening its intelligence efforts.
"When Russia says there will be no Christmas ceasefire, that is always what they are saying — a way to emphasize threats. After such signals, I asked for our intelligence to be maximized so that we clearly understand our position," Zelenskyy said.
The head of state emphasized that the Ukrainian side is considering the risk of attacks specifically on Christmas, as such actions align with the aggressor’s usual practices. In this context, a key issue at the Supreme Commander’s headquarters has been strengthening air defense.
"We understand that during these days they may carry out massive strikes. Therefore, the number one priority is air defense — protecting our cities, forces, and communities, especially on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th," the president said.
At the same time, Zelenskyy acknowledged that the situation is complicated by a shortage of air defense systems. He stressed that the military is doing everything possible to protect the country, and he urged civilians to remain extremely vigilant during the holidays and not ignore alarm signals, because, in his words, the enemy "respects nothing, not even the holidays."
What preceded it
Earlier, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Russia to declare a Christmas ceasefire. He expressed his belief that this could serve as a prelude to a lasting truce.
Merz said that perhaps the Russian leadership still had even a drop of human decency left and that it would give people peace at Christmas, adding that whether a ceasefire before Christmas would succeed now depended entirely on Russia.
The proposal was supported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who emphasized that much in this matter depends on Russia's political will.
"The United States supports this idea, and I, as President of Ukraine, certainly support it as well. I believe that an energy ceasefire is normal — any kind of ceasefire is," the Ukrainian president said.
