Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky used his Christmas Eve message to strike a defiant tone against Russia, delivering remarks widely interpreted as a pointed rebuke of President Vladimir Putin and reaffirming Ukraine’s resolve to achieve peace on its own terms.

In a video shared on social media platform X, Zelensky said that despite the devastation inflicted by Russia, it had failed to destroy the core of Ukraine’s strength. He spoke of the country’s unity, faith, and resilience, asserting that these elements remain beyond the reach of occupation or bombardment.

Without naming the Russian president directly, Zelensky remarked that Ukrainians shared a single unspoken wish, using language that strongly suggested condemnation of the man leading the invasion. He contrasted that sentiment with what he described as a higher moral appeal, saying Ukrainians ultimately pray for peace and believe they deserve it after years of resistance and sacrifice.

The address followed a fresh wave of Russian missile and drone attacks earlier in the week that killed civilians and caused widespread power outages across Ukraine. Zelensky described the strikes as ruthless and devoid of humanity, accusing Moscow of using every available weapon, including ballistic missiles and drones, even on the eve of a major religious holiday.

Alongside his emotional message, Zelensky also revealed details of a proposed peace framework during a briefing with journalists. The plan includes the possibility of Ukrainian forces withdrawing from parts of the eastern industrial region, provided Russian troops also retreat. He said such areas could then be converted into demilitarised zones under international supervision.

The Ukrainian leader indicated that similar arrangements might be explored for the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control. However, he stressed that any final peace agreement would require public approval through a national referendum.

Russia has so far shown no willingness to relinquish territory it has seized, including most of Luhansk and large parts of Donetsk in the Donbas region. Moscow continues to demand that Kyiv formally concede these areas, a condition Ukraine has repeatedly rejected.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes. The United States has held separate discussions with both sides following a peace proposal put forward last month by US President Donald Trump. While critics say the proposal initially leaned in Moscow’s favour, Ukraine and its European partners are working to reshape it closer to Kyiv’s position as the conflict nears its fourth year.