‘We Have One Wish’: Volodymyr Zelensky’s Christmas Message Includes Death Remark on Vladimir Putin

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a sharply worded Christmas Eve address that appeared to include a veiled death wish for Russian President Vladimir Putin, even as he reiterated Ukraine's call for peace and unity amid renewed Russian attacks.

In a video message shared on X, Zelensky said Russia had inflicted immense suffering on Ukraine but failed to destroy the country's core strength and resolve.

'One wish' in a sombre Christmas message

"Despite all the suffering that Russia has brought, it is not capable of occupying or bombing what matters most. That is our Ukrainian heart, our faith in one another, and our unity," Zelensky said.

Without naming the Russian leader, he added, "Today, we all share one dream. And we have one wish for everyone: 'May he perish,' as everyone says to themselves."

Zelensky then shifted focus to his appeal for peace, grounding his remarks in faith and perseverance. "But when we turn to God, of course, we ask for something greater. We ask for peace for Ukraine. We fight for it, we pray for it, we deserve it."

Fresh strikes darken the festive period

The Christmas message came against the backdrop of renewed Russian missile and drone attacks on Tuesday that killed at least three people and led to power outages across parts of Ukraine.

Referring to the strikes, Zelensky said, "On the eve of Christmas, the Russians once again showed who they truly are. Massive shelling, hundreds of 'shaheds', ballistic missiles, Kinzhal strikes, everything was used. This is how the godless strike."

Peace plan outlines possible troop withdrawal

In a separate briefing with reporters, Zelensky outlined details of a 20-point plan aimed at ending the war. He said Ukraine could withdraw troops from parts of its eastern industrial heartland, but only if Russia also pulls back and the territory is turned into a demilitarised zone overseen by international forces.

The proposal represents the clearest signal yet of the compromises Zelensky may be willing to consider over the Donbas region, control of which remains one of the most difficult issues in peace negotiations.

Zelensky also said a similar model could be applied to the area surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is currently under Russian control. Any final peace agreement, he added, would need approval through a nationwide referendum.

Moscow unmoved as talks continue

Russia has so far shown no indication that it is willing to withdraw from occupied territory. Moscow currently controls most of Luhansk and around 70 per cent of Donetsk, the two regions that make up the Donbas, which Putin has demanded Ukraine relinquish. Kyiv has rejected that demand.

Meanwhile, American negotiators have held separate talks with Ukraine and Russia since U.S. President Donald Trump presented a plan last month to end the war. The proposal is widely seen as favouring Moscow, which invaded Ukraine nearly four years ago. Since then, Ukraine and its European allies have worked to bring the framework closer to Kyiv's position.