Zelensky warns of Russian attacks at Christmas: ‘There will be no truce’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday (22/12) that Russia rejects a proposed “Christmas truce” and could carry out massive attacks against the country during the holiday, between December 23 and 25. This statement was made during a speech at the Diplomatic Academy in kyiv, on the occasion of Diplomats’ Day.

According to Zelensky, the initiative for a temporary ceasefire came from the United States and its European allies as a diplomatic gesture, without the intention of ending the war, but as a possible first step towards negotiations. Moscow’s response, however, was immediate and negative.

“The Americans really wanted a Christmas truce. This is always a sign that the parties want to find a solution. But the Russians immediately reacted by saying: ‘there will be no Christmas truce’,” the Ukrainian said.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

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Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky

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Vladimir Putin visits Joint Force command post

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Vladimir Putin

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Vladimir Putin

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For him, the Kremlin’s position reinforces a strategy and signals a high risk of new offensives.

Zelensky said that, taking into account these signs, he determined the maximum strengthening of the country’s military intelligence and air defense. A meeting of the Supreme Commander’s General Staff was held on Monday to assess threats and define protection measures.

“We understand that it is in their nature to carry out massive attacks precisely on Christmas Day. Therefore, the top priority these days is air defense,” he said.

As for strikes. When the Germans and Americans proposed a ceasefire at Christmas, there was nothing new in the fact that the Russians immediately stepped up and said: no, we don’t want such a thing. The problem is that when Russia says there will be no Christmas…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 22, 2025

The president warned of the lack of air defense systems and asked the population to be particularly attentive during this period. “There is nothing sacred about it. People need to be very careful because they can resort to large-scale attacks,” he said.

History of the Christmas attacks

At Christmas last year, Russia launched a major attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, with explosions recorded in several regions of the country.

At the time, more than 70 missiles – including ballistic missiles – and more than 100 drones were used, according to the Ukrainian government. According to DTEK, the country’s largest energy provider, this is the 13th major attack on the power grid this year alone.

At the time, Zelensky called the offensive “inhumane.” “Every massive Russian attack requires preparation. It is never spontaneous. It is a deliberate choice. Choosing Christmas says a lot.”