'Even In Complete Darkness...': Ukrainian President Zelensky's Defiant Christmas Message

"Freedom comes at a high price. But slavery has an even higher price," he said in a video address to Ukrainians, news agency Reuters reported.

Zelensky urged his people to remain unbowed despite Russian attacks

New Delhi: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday urged his people to remain unbowed despite Russian attacks that have plunged millions into darkness as the country celebrates Christmas.

"Freedom comes at a high price. But slavery has an even higher price," he said in a video address to Ukrainians, news agency Reuters reported.

Speaking 10 months to the day since Russia launched a war that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions more, Zelensky said, "We endured at the beginning of the war - we withstood attacks, threats, nuclear blackmail, terror, missile strikes. We will endure this winter because we know what we are fighting for."

Russia's missile and drone attacks have left millions of Ukrainians without power, heating and running water.

Earlier on Saturday, officials said that Russian air strikes killed 10 people in Ukraine's southern Kherson city.

The regional authorities said that another 68 people were injured and called on local residents to urgently donate blood.

"Even in complete darkness, we will find each other to hug each other tightly. And if there is no heat, we will embrace each other for a long time to warm one another," Zelensky said.

In the clip, which lasted just under nine minutes, he further added, "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."

The video was filmed outside at night with just a few white lights and a Christmas tree in the background.

Zelensky further noted that Ukrainian troops were fighting battles in the eastern Donbas region while others were in exile both home and abroad, having fled the Russians.

"We have been fighting them for more than 300 days and eight years. Will we allow them to achieve what they want?" he said, referring to Russia's 2014 occupation of Crimea.

(With inputs from Reuters)