Zelensky wishes western rite Orthodox Christians merry Christmas

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky wishes western rite Orthodox Christians merry Christmas, noting that this year all holidays have a bitter aftertaste for Ukrainians due to the full-scale war unleashed by Russia.

"These days, millions of people in Ukraine and the world celebrate Christmas. The appearance of the Son of God gave people hope for salvation, faith in the victory of goodness and mercy. Unfortunately, all the holidays have a bitter aftertaste for us this year. And we can feel the traditional Spirit of Christmas differently. Dinner at the family table cannot be so tasty and warm. There may be empty chairs around it. And our houses and streets can't be so bright. And Christmas bells can ring not so loudly and inspiringly. Through air raid sirens, or even worse – gunshots and explosions," President said in his Christmas greetings.

As the President noted, the Ukrainians meet winter holidays in difficult circumstances. "Someone will see the first star in the sky over Bakhmut, Rubizhne, and Kreminna today… Someone will celebrate the holiday in other people's homes – homes of Ukrainians who gave shelter to Ukrainians… Someone will hear Shchedryk in another language – in Warsaw, Berlin, London, New York, Toronto and many other cities and countries," Zelensky said.

And someone, the President added, will meet this Christmas in captivity, "but let them remember that we are also coming for our people, we will return freedom to all Ukrainian men and women."

"Wherever we are, we will be together today. We will make a wish. One for all. And we will feel joy. One for all. And we will understand the truth. One for all," Zelensky stressed.

The President added that the Ukrainians will not wait for a miracle as they create it themselves.