### Zelensky's Christmas Address: A Call for Peace Amidst War and a Veiled Wish for Putin's Demise In a poignant Christmas Eve address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed the collective wish of Ukrainians for peace and an end to the ongoing war with Russia. As Ukraine faces its fourth winter of conflict, Zelensky's message resonated deeply, emphasizing that despite the physical destruction caused by the war, the national spirit remains unbroken. He subtly alluded to Russian President Vladimir Putin, wishing for his demise without directly naming him, which has sparked widespread attention and discussion across various media platforms [https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/may-he-perish-without-naming-putin-zelensky-shares-ukraines-one-wish-in-his-christmas-address-to-the-nation, https://www.euronews.com/2025/12/25/zelenskyy-wishes-putin-would-perish-in-christmas-eve-address]. ### Structure of the Address and Its Implications 1. **Context of the Address**: - Zelensky's Christmas message comes at a time when Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties, including children [https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/may-he-perish-ukrainian-president-zelensky-takes-dig-at-vladimir-putin-in-christmas-wish-101766669722411.html]. - The address reflects the ongoing struggle and resilience of the Ukrainian people amidst the war. 2. **Key Themes**: - **Unity and Hope**: Zelensky emphasized the unity of the Ukrainian people, sharing a common hope for peace and an end to the conflict [https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/may-he-perish-zelenskyy-s-christmas-eve-address-carries-veiled-death-wish-for-putin-as-russia-launches-fresh-strikes-article-13742529.html]. - **Veiled Criticism of Putin**: The phrase "May he perish" was a direct yet indirect reference to Putin, encapsulating the sentiments of many Ukrainians who wish for an end to his leadership and the war [https://www.gamereactor.eu/zelenskys-wish-during-christmas-eve-speech-putins-death-we-ask-for-something-greater-1652983]. 3. **Public Reaction**: - The address has gone viral, with many interpreting Zelensky's words as a bold statement against Putin, reflecting the frustrations and desires of a nation under siege [https://www.odishabhaskar.in/international/may-he-perish-zelenskys-searing-christmas-wish-for-putin-goes-viral-141378]. - Social media and news outlets have widely circulated the message, highlighting the emotional weight of Zelensky's words during a festive season overshadowed by war [https://www.thedailyjagran.com/world/zelenskyy-wishes-death-for-russian-president-putin-in-christmas-message-10288483]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Casualties from Recent Attacks**: Reports indicate that recent Russian missile strikes have resulted in at least three deaths, including a child, underscoring the urgency of Zelensky's call for peace [https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/may-he-perish-ukrainian-president-zelensky-takes-dig-at-vladimir-putin-in-christmas-wish-101766669722411.html]. - **Public Sentiment**: The phrase "May he perish" has resonated with many Ukrainians, reflecting a deep-seated desire for change in leadership and an end to the conflict [https://newsfeel.com/may-he-perish-zelenskyys-christmas-wish-for-putin]. ### Conclusion: A Message of Resilience and Hope In summary, **Zelensky's Christmas address serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the Ukrainian people amidst ongoing conflict**. His veiled wish for Putin's demise encapsulates the frustrations of a nation yearning for peace. The address not only highlights the current state of war but also emphasizes the hope for a brighter future. 1. **Context**: The ongoing war and its impact on Ukraine. 2. **Themes**: Unity, hope, and criticism of Putin. 3. **Public Reaction**: Widespread sharing and interpretation of the message. 4. **Evidence**: Recent casualties and public sentiment reflecting the desire for peace. Zelensky's words resonate as a call for solidarity and a plea for peace during a time of turmoil [https://kyivindependent.com/may-he-perish-zelensky-voices-ukrainians-wish-in-his-christmas-eve-address].