German president calls for solidarity with Ukraine at Christmas

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier encouraged people to show solidarity with Ukrainians enduring ongoing Russian attacks, in his official Christmas address released on Wednesday.

"At Christmas, we strengthen and revive our relationships, our family ties and friendships once again," Steinmeier said.

"Our support and solidarity are not limited to those who are geographically nearby. For example, we think of the people of Ukraine, against whom Russia has been waging war for almost four years now."

The German president noted that many have followed intensified diplomatic efforts to end the war "with hope, but also
with scepticism and concern."

He said Europeans must "become aware together once again of our strength and values and to take action accordingly."

The message lying at the heart of Christmas, he said, was that "light shines in the darkness."

"This makes our lives more hopeful, happier, warmer and more optimistic."

"Over the course of centuries, we have learned how important – indeed essential – freedom, human dignity, a just peace and democratic self-determination are," Steinmeier said. "We will not give that up - not for ourselves and not for our friends and partners."

The president, whose term expires in 2027, also called on Germans to be courageous and embrace change.

"We need courage for the big things that we decide to do as a society – and for the small things where we all do our best, so that we can all live together in peace."