Zelenskyy: Russia not only rejects ceasefire proposal on Christmas Eve but also carries out attack
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukraine is grateful to the Pope for proposing a 24-hour ceasefire during the holiday. However, the Russian army not only rejected this proposal but instead carried out another aerial attack, according to a statement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"We appreciate the ongoing attention of Pope Leo XIV to all diplomatic efforts aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine, and we share His Holiness’s disappointment regarding Russia’s refusal to accept the recent proposal for a Christmas ceasefire," the president stated.
Zelenskyy reminded that Ukraine is marking its fourth Christmas amid a full-scale war, Russian terrorist attacks, power outages caused by the Russian forces' strikes, and active combat on the frontlines.
The Russian regime rejected the proposal to halt killings on this holy day and continued its terrorism against civilians. Russian forces must not be allowed to normalize what they are doing — brutality, terror, and aggression against Ukrainians.
"I call on all responsible leaders to support peace, as the Pontiff does. We are grateful for every such demonstration of solidarity. I wish peaceful holidays to every family around the world. Happy Christmas Eve to all who are celebrating today. May peace be restored in every peace-loving country and every community that observes this holiday during wartime," the president concluded.
Christmas ceasefire and a new massive Russian terror attack
Pope Leo XIV expressed deep disappointment over Russia’s refusal to halt the fighting in Ukraine for Christmas and once again called for "24 hours of peace."
Earlier, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Russia to declare a Christmas ceasefire with Ukraine. Zelenskyy supported this idea, noting that much depends on Russia’s political will.
However, the Kremlin once again revealed its terrorist nature, cynically rejecting the idea of a Christmas ceasefire while hiding behind statements claiming they "want peace."
On December 23, the Russian army carried out another massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The strikes left three regions almost completely without power, and the enemy damaged energy facilities in several other areas. As a result of this Russian terror attack, electricity outage schedules were once again intensified.
