German president mentions Ukraine in his Christmas address

German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier touched on the situation in Ukraine, among other issues, in his Christmas address.

Source: German news platform Welt, as cited by European Pravda

Details: The Federal President believes that without Christmas, the world would be a much poorer place. He said in his Christmas address that above all, it is a message: there is light in the darkness.

Speaking about the war in Ukraine and its end, Steinmeier stressed the importance of Europeans rediscovering their strength and values together – and acting accordingly.

Over the centuries, Europe has learned how vital and irreplaceable freedom and human dignity, just peace and democratic self-determination are. Steinmeier said that Europe would not abandon this and that much of what they consider valuable and indispensable would demand great effort but they must be ready for this.

The address will be broadcast on the ZDF channel shortly after 19:00 on Christmas Day, and an hour later on ARD. This will be the last Christmas address from Bellevue Palace for the time being. The Federal President's official residence in Berlin is set to undergo major renovations starting next year and is not expected to be ready for use until 2031. In the meantime, the president will reside in temporary accommodation.

Background:

• Pope Leo said he felt great sadness over Russia's refusal to agree to a Christmas ceasefire in the war against Ukraine, which has now lasted for almost four years.
• Last week, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov effectively rejected a call by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for a possible Christmas truce in the war.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!