We greatly value @Pontifex Leo XIV’s constant attention to all diplomatic efforts aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine, and we share His Holiness’s disappointment at Russia’s refusal to accept the latest Christmas ceasefire proposal. Sadly, this is already the fourth wartime Christmas for the Ukrainian people during the full-scale war, the largest in Europe since World War II. Moscow has not only rejected the request to end the killing at least for this Holy Day; instead, Russia launched a massive missile and drone strike against Ukraine's energy grid, causing power outages, and continues frontline assaults. Regrettably, Russia continues to reject real ceasefire proposals, as it has done throughout the year. Instead, it is clearly seeking ways to prolong the war and continue attacks. It is critical that everyone around the world speak out against this war and prevent Russia from normalizing its brutality, terror, and aggression against our people. I urge all responsible leaders to support peace as the Pontiff does, and we appreciate every such sign of solidarity. I wish a peaceful holiday season to every family around the world. Merry Christmas Eve to everyone celebrating today. May peace be restored to every peaceful nation and every community marking this holiday in times of war.

I addressed the Irish Oireachtas. It is a great honor for me to stand here today – in a country that understands the price of freedom better than many in Europe, better than many in the world, and that shares our belief that every voice counts, every nation matters. Please remember, your voice matters – from Ireland’s vote at the United Nations, to the words in your media. From your thoughts here in Dublin, to every home in the global Irish community around the world. That’s millions of people who can influence hundreds of millions more. When the most powerful apply pressure, the global community helps guide that pressure in the right direction. The aggressor must be held accountable for what was done. Please, take an active role in making the Tribunal for this aggression a reality. Not just joining, but pushing, working, insisting that justice must begin with accountability. Please, continue to advocate for every form of sanctions against Russia. And it is time for Russian assets to serve the cause of peace – to help defend and rebuild Ukraine. This is a long-overdue decision, and it must be implemented. And please – call on everyone in the world to help return all the children abducted by Russia, and all the prisoners still held in Russian jails and camps – many of whom have been there not just since 2022, but since 2014, when Russia launched its hybrid war against us and occupied Crimea. This has gone on far too long to simply close our eyes and turn the page on Russia. Without a just peace, hatred will not fade – it will continue to smolder and provoke new violence. History has seen this before. And this time, it must be different. We need real peace. Help us achieve it. And never lose your faith in Ukraine.