Zelensky tells Patriarch Bartholomew about power outage problems

Patriarch Bartholomew and Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo: rbc.ua

On December 25, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone conversation with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. According to the presidential press service, Zelensky congratulated his interlocutor on the Nativity of Christ and thanked him for his support of Ukraine and for his diplomatic efforts.

Zelensky spoke about the difficult circumstances in which Ukrainians are forced to celebrate the holiday, in particular due to strikes that Russia has been carrying out against the country’s energy infrastructure.

“In many cities and villages, scheduled power outages are in effect,” he added.

According to Zelensky, “we are dealing with barbarians who, in the end, do not believe in God.” Russia, he added, “is trying to make a thirst for killing the foundation of national pride.”

Zelensky assured that the Ukrainian side would continue to “counteract the war,” while also thanking Patriarch Bartholomew “for his readiness to continue supporting all peaceful efforts.”

As previously reported by the UOJ, in his Christmas message, Zelensky wished death upon Putin.

Read also