Ukraine, Zelensky: ‘A difficult Christmas, but Russia is unable to occupy the country’

Rome, 25 December (LaPresse) – “We are celebrating Christmas in difficult times. Unfortunately, not all of us are at home tonight. Unfortunately, not all of us still have a home. And unfortunately, not all of us are with us tonight. But despite all the suffering that Russia has brought, it is unable to occupy or bomb what matters most. That is our Ukrainian heart, our mutual faith and our unity.‘ So said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a message to the nation on the occasion of Christmas. ’On Christmas Eve,‘ Zelensky added, ’the Russians once again showed who they really are. Massive bombardments, hundreds of “shaheds”, ballistic missiles, Kinzhal attacks – everything was used. This is how the Imps strike. This is how those who have absolutely nothing in common with Christianity or anything human behave. But we are resisting. We support each other. And today we pray for everyone on the front line – that they return alive. For all those in captivity – that they return home. For all our fallen heroes who defended Ukraine at the cost of their lives. For all those whom Russia has forced into occupation and forced to flee. For those for whom it is difficult, but who have not lost Ukraine within themselves – and therefore Ukraine will never lose them. Today we stand side by side. We will not lose each other in the darkness. Whether in person or in our thoughts, we will wish each other well, we will hug and warm each other, we will call our parents, we will kiss our children, we will hold our loved ones close – and, of course, we will remember – we will remember all our people.