Kremlin Condemns Zelensky's Christmas Address as 'Uncouth' and 'Bitter'

Kremlin Criticizes Zelensky's Christmas Message

Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman for the Russian Federation's Kremlin, on December 25, 2025, issued a strong condemnation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Christmas address delivered on December 24, 2024. Peskov described the speech as 'uncouth' and 'bitter,' raising questions about Zelensky's ability to engage in diplomatic resolutions for the ongoing conflict. The criticism follows Zelensky's remarks during his address, which were widely interpreted as a wish for the death of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Content of Zelensky's 2024 Christmas Address

In his Christmas Eve address on December 24, 2024, President Zelensky conveyed messages of peace and unity to Ukrainians, marking the country's third wartime Christmas. He highlighted the cultural significance of Mykola Leontovych's 'Shchedryk' (Carol of the Bells) as a Ukrainian gift to the world. A key point of contention for the Kremlin was Zelensky's statement that Ukrainians 'all share one dream, and we make one wish for all of us: May he perish.' This comment, made without directly naming anyone, was widely understood to refer to President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky also reportedly characterized Russian citizens as 'atheists' who 'have absolutely nothing to do with Christianity or any humanity.' Ukraine officially shifted its Christmas Day observance from January 7 to December 25 in 2023, aligning with Western traditions and aiming to break from Russian religious and cultural practices.

Peskov's Sharp Rebuke and Diplomatic Concerns

Responding to the address, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov characterized Zelensky's message as 'truly strange,' 'uncultured,' 'evil,' and coming from a 'seemingly unhinged person.' Peskov explicitly questioned Zelensky's capacity to make 'reasonable decisions' or 'adequate decisions' regarding a political and diplomatic settlement to the conflict. He stated, 'It raises the question of whether he is capable of making reasonable decisions when it comes to resolving political issues through diplomacy.' The Kremlin's reaction underscores deep-seated tensions and a lack of trust between the two nations' leadership.

Broader Diplomatic Landscape

The exchange of criticisms occurs amidst ongoing international efforts to broker a peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv. The Trump administration has reportedly been pushing for such a deal. Just prior to Peskov's comments, President Zelensky had revealed details of a new U.S.-backed peace proposal, which Peskov confirmed the Kremlin was 'analyzing.' Russia has consistently maintained its openness to negotiations but insists that any settlement must address the 'root causes of the conflict' and reflect the 'territorial reality on the ground,' a stance that often clashes with Ukraine's demands for territorial integrity and withdrawal of Russian forces.