On Thursday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed disapproval of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Christmas address, labeling it “rude” and “resentful.” He suggested that such statements brought into question Zelensky’s capacity to participate in ongoing peace negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict.

In his Christmas Eve address, Zelensky shared that all Ukrainians have a common aspiration: “May he perish,” a statement that many interpreted as a direct reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

During a press briefing, Peskov characterized Zelensky’s remarks as “very unusual.” He stated, “The address lacked decorum and was filled with bitterness; it made Zelensky appear to be somewhat unstable. Such behavior raises doubts about his ability to make sound decisions when it comes to addressing political matters through diplomatic means.”

Peskov’s remarks come as the Trump administration works to facilitate a peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv. On Wednesday, Zelensky disclosed aspects of the latest U.S.-sponsored initiative aimed at ending the conflict, to which Peskov indicated that Kremlin officials were currently “evaluating.”

In 2023, Zelensky transitioned Ukraine’s official Christmas Day from the traditional Orthodox observance on January 7 to December 25, a change that Kyiv presents as a step towards distancing itself from Russian cultural and religious influences.

The Orthodox Church of Ukraine has also adopted the modified Julian calendar, aligning it with the Gregorian calendar used by Roman Catholics.