Ukrainian sports stars addressed fans on the occasion of the Nativity of Christ and showed how they celebrate.
On Wednesday, December 25, Ukraine and the entire civilized world celebrate The Nativity of Christ.
From September 1, 2023, the OCU and the UGCC switched to the New Julian calendar, so Christmas from now on, Ukraine celebrates on December 25, not January 7. On Christmas Eve, December 24, Ukrainians were congratulated by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ukrainian athletes also joined in the congratulations. They addressed their compatriots on social networks and showed photos of how they celebrate Christmas with their families.
Vladimir Klitschko, former world boxing champion
“Christmas is a time of love and warm hugs. This is the moment to hug our loved ones and remember to believe in miracles.
For Ukraine, this will be the third Christmas during a full-scale war. A Christmas when many children will not be able to hug their parents – some lost forever, others far away, defending our country. A Christmas when parents who lost children killed by Russians will visit cemeteries instead of school holiday performances.
Even today, on Christmas Eve, Russia remains true to itself, bringing more suffering and pain by launching a missile strike on a residential building in Krivoy Rog. But this evil cannot break the incredible spirit of the Ukrainians. Putin's war against Ukraine was supposed to last only three days. But thanks to our heroes, our will and our persistence, our resistance has lasted almost three years.
I often visit the front lines to talk to our fighters and provide them with the necessary assistance. I can honestly say that even world champions would admire their endurance and unbreakable willpower. This makes my call to the international community even louder: continue to support Ukraine with all necessary means to stop this barbaric invasion. The war must end not only with the victory of Ukraine, but with the victory of the entire free world.
We are not just fighting for Ukraine – we are fighting for you, for the freedom of Europe and peace. For democracy. For the future of our children. We must not lose this fight. Unbreakable spirit. Confidence, courage. This is what Ukraine will continue to bring at Christmas. Together we are invincible. Merry Christmas and glory to Ukraine.”
Two-time Olympic champion in fencing Olga Kharlan
“Merry Christmas! I could go for a bite now.”
Arsenal and Ukrainian national team footballer Oleksandr Zinchenko
“Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas! May the Lord protect your family and bless you for good deeds.”
Olympic medalists in synchronized swimming Marina and Vladislava Alekseeva
“Merry Christmas. We wish everyone happy holidays.”
Real Madrid and Ukrainian national team goalkeeper Andriy Lunin
“Merry Christmas. Friends, we sincerely congratulate all of you and your loved ones on Christmas! God's care, peaceful skies and victory.”
Olympic judo medalist Daria Bilodid
“Merry Christmas.”
World and European Biathlon Champion Dmytro Pidruchnyi
“Training on schedule. Have a peaceful Christmas holiday.”
