Zelensky’s Easter Message: A Call for Hope Amid War

On Easter Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a message of hope and perseverance to the people of Ukraine, urging them to remain optimistic despite over three years of ongoing conflict.

Speaking in front of Kyiv’s iconic Saint Sophia Cathedral while wearing a traditional Ukrainian shirt adorned with vyshyvanka embroidery, Zelensky encouraged citizens to stay strong as the nation marks 1,152 days since the full-scale invasion began.

“Ukraine never loses faith,” Zelensky said. “Because that faith lives in each of us. In those who stand beside us—in Ukrainian men and women. Faith that evil may have its hour, but God will have His day.”

This year, Easter celebrations coincided for both Orthodox and Western Christian traditions. On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a surprise one-day truce in observance of the holiday. However, Zelensky reported on Sunday that Russian military operations continued overnight, particularly on active frontlines, despite the temporary ceasefire declaration.

“We know what we are defending,” he continued. “We know what we are fighting for. For whom, and for whose sake.”

President Zelensky closed his Easter message with a vision of peace and unity: “The day of life will come. The day of peace. The day of Ukraine. A day that lasts a century. And we will be able to gather again—around one table—on a peaceful Easter.”