Christmas has “a bitter aftertaste” for Ukrainians this year. This is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s description of the year-end celebrations during his Christmas greetings on Saturday night. Indeed, the country spends its first vacation immersed in a war that has lasted since February with Russia and this December 24 cannot be like the others, the Ukrainian president acknowledged this Saturday.
“Dinner at the family table cannot be so rich and warm. There may be empty chairs around. And our houses and streets cannot be so bright, ”he stressed in his speech.
Russia has been targeting energy infrastructure in its strikes in Ukraine for several months, leading to regular power outages in the country.
Kherson struck on December 24
Zelensky also spoke of the “air-raid sirens” as well as the “shots and explosions” that punctuate everyday life for Ukrainians, even as New Year’s Eve approaches. On Saturday morning, a Russian attack on the Kherson market left at least 10 dead and 55 wounded, according to the region’s governor, Yaroslav Yanushevich.
“As families in Europe, North America and beyond prepare festive dinners, think of Ukraine, which is fighting evil right now,” Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kouleba implored on Twitter.
“Mornings, Saturdays, Christmas Eve, downtown. These are not military installations. This is not a war with set rules. This is terror, this is killing to intimidate and (take) pleasure,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lashed out on social media. .
Christmas Carols ‘Happier Than Ever’
The Ukrainian president, however, wanted to be encouraging in his Christmas greetings: “We will sing Christmas carols – happier than ever – louder than the noise of a generator. We will listen to the voices and wishes of loved ones – in our hearts – even if communication and Internet services are down,” he said in his speech.
And even in total darkness, we will meet, to hold each other tight. And if there is no heat, we will hug each other tight to warm ourselves, ”she added.
Source: BFM TV
