PRESIDENT Volodymyr Zelensky appeared to wish death upon Vladimir Putin in his Christmas message after the Russian forces blitzed Ukraine with fresh strikes.
Zelensky’s address came just hours after in hopes of a Christmas peace breakthrough.
An apartment damaged by Russian drone during air attack in Chernyhiv, Ukraine, on Christmas EveCredit: AP
Zelensky appeared to wish death upon Vladimir Putin in his Christmas messageCredit: Volodymyr Zelensky/X
Putin’s forces continued blitzing Ukraine, targeting critical energy infrastructure on Christmas EveCredit: AFP
Speaking to the Ukrainian citizens on Christmas Eve, Zelensky said:My dear people, since ancient times, Ukrainians believed that on Christmas night, the heavens open.
“And if you tell them your dream, it will surely come true. Today, we all have one dream. And we have one wish for everyone: ‘May he perish,’ as everyone says to themselves.”
Zelensky appeared to refer to Putin, before adding: “But when we turn to God, of course, we ask for something greater.
“We ask for peace for Ukraine. We fight for it. And we pray for it. And we deserve it.”
Zelensky also expressed hope that goodness and truth would prevail.
He added: “That there may be a victory of peace. That there may be us. And that there may be Ukraine.”
His address came as Russia continued blitzing Ukraine, targeting critical energy infrastructure on Christmas Eve.
At least one person was injured in the strikes, which struck the cities of Kharkiv and Sumy.
Earlier today, Zelensky shared details of the updated 20-point plan with journalists in a briefing.
He said he would be willing to withdraw troops from the country’s eastern industrial heartland if Moscow also pulls back – and the area becomes a demilitarised zone monitored by international forces.
The proposal offered another potential compromise on control of the Donbas region, which has been a major sticking point in peace negotiations.
Kyiv said the latest peace draft, which was agreed during marathon talks with Washington, is now under Moscow’s review.
Russia has given no indication that it will agree to any kind of withdrawal from the land it has seized.
In fact, Moscow has insisted that Ukraine relinquish the remaining territory it still holds in the Donbas, an ultimatum that Ukraine has rejected.
A Ukrainian soldier smokes in a trench before firing towards Russian troopsCredit: Reuters
A house burns after it was heavily damaged during Russian early morning drone and missile strikesCredit: Reuters
Russia has captured most of Luhansk and about 70 per cent of Donetsk, the two areas that make up the Donbas.
Asked about the plan, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said today that Moscow would decide its position based on information received by Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who met with US envoys.
Although a source told Bloomberg that the Russians view the 20-point plan as a starting point for further negotiations and believe it “lacks provisions important for Russia and fails to answer many questions”.
Russia is expected to demand significant changes in the proposed draft, the source said, adding that the Kremlin will further study the “fairly typical Ukrainian plan with a cool head”.
Earlier this week, Russia carried out .
The vicious attack included more than 600 drones and 30 missiles.
Three people were killed including two female pensioners – one in Khmelnytskyy and another just outside Kyiv, aged 72 and 76 respectively.
A four-year-old girl living in the central Ukrainian region of Zhytomyr was also murdered in the ruthless attack.
What's in the new 20-point plan?
- Ukraine’s sovereignty is reaffirmed by all signatories.
- Russia and Ukraine agree to a full, unconditional non-aggression pact with monitored front lines.
- Ukraine receives strong international security guarantees.
- Ukraine’s armed forces remain at 800,000 personnel in peacetime.
- The US, NATO, and European states provide Article 5–style guarantees, with sanctions snapping back if Russia attacks.
- Russia formally commits in law to a policy of non-aggression toward Ukraine and Europe.
- Ukraine is guaranteed EU membership within a defined timeframe and early market access.
- A global development and recovery package supports Ukraine’s economy, infrastructure, energy, and reconstruction.
- Major reconstruction, humanitarian, and compensation funds are established, including a $200bn US–EU fund.
- Ukraine accelerates a free trade agreement with the United States.
- Ukraine confirms its non-nuclear status under the NPT.
- The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is jointly operated by Ukraine, the US, and Russia.
- Both sides commit to education promoting tolerance, minority rights, and cultural understanding.
- Current troop positions in key regions are recognised as the line of contact, with withdrawals, monitoring, and possible demilitarised zones.
- Future territorial arrangements cannot be changed by force.
- Russia will not block Ukraine’s commercial use of the Dnipro River or Black Sea.
- A humanitarian committee oversees POW exchanges, civilian returns, and victim support.
- Ukraine will hold elections as soon as possible after the agreement.
- The agreement is legally binding and enforced by an international Peace Council, with sanctions for violations.
- A full and immediate ceasefire begins once all parties approve the deal.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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