In a defiant Christmas speech, President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Ukrainians to maintain “patience and trust” after a devastating wave of Russian airstrikes that battered the southern city of Kherson.

Zelensky spoke of perseverance and seeing the battle against Ukraine through ten months.

In light of this, he exhorted the country to maintain its resolve in the face of a bleak winter that included energy shortages, loved ones being away, and the constant fear of Russian assault.

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Zelensky’s statement was sent after Ukrainian authorities said that on Christmas Eve, Russia launched deadly rocket attacks into the center of Kherson, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens more.

These attacks were “killing for the purpose of intimidation and pleasure,” according to Zelensky.

Zelensky stated in his Christmas address that this year, all holidays are bittersweet for the besieged nation. He iterated as follows:

“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.”

Although he claimed that Ukraine had been fighting against evil forces for 318 years, “in this battle, we have another powerful and effective weapon.

The hammer and sword of our spirit and consciousness. The wisdom of God. Courage and bravery. Virtues that incline us to do good and overcome evil,” he added.

In a direct address to the people of Ukraine, he declared that even in the absence of communication services and the internet, the nation would sing Christmas carols louder than the sound of a power generator and hear the voices and greetings of loved ones “in our hearts.”

“And even in total darkness – we will find each other – to hug each other tightly. And if there is no heat, we will give a big hug to warm each other.”

“We will celebrate our holidays! As always. We will smile and be happy. As always. The difference is one. We will not wait for a miracle. After all, we create it ourselves,” Zelensky added.