In a powerful New Year address, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed that 2025 would be a pivotal year for his country in its ongoing battle to end Russia’s nearly three-year-long invasion.

Speaking just before midnight in Kyiv, Zelensky acknowledged that peace would not be handed to Ukraine, but vowed to push forward with all available means.

“We know that peace will not be given to us as a gift, but we will do everything to stop Russia and end the war,” he declared.

The war, which has now entered its third year, has cost Ukraine dearly.

In 2024, Ukraine lost seven times more territory to Russia than in the previous year, a sign of the ongoing struggle against a well-equipped and resourceful Russian army.

In response, Zelensky made it clear that Ukraine would continue to fight on all fronts, both on the battlefield and diplomatically, to ensure it is in a strong position ahead of any potential peace negotiations.

“Every day in the coming year, I, and all of us, must fight for a Ukraine that is strong enough,” he said.

In the early hours of Wednesday, Russia launched a drone strike on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, injuring at least three people and causing damage to buildings in two different districts.

The explosions shook the city after Ukraine’s air force had warned of the incoming threat.

According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, air defense systems successfully intercepted many of the drones, but the attack still caused significant damage.

Two floors of a residential building were partially destroyed, and debris also damaged a non-residential building in another part of the city.

Klitschko reported that emergency services were quickly on the scene, working to assess the full extent of the damage and provide aid to those injured.

In a heartfelt message shared on her X handle, Senator Oluremi Tinubu expressed deep gratitude to God and a hopeful outlook for 2025, emphasizing a year of prosperity and abundance for Nigeria.

She encouraged the nation to rise above differences and focus on rebuilding connections founded on love, respect, and understanding.

Senator Tinubu, wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reassured the public of the administration’s commitment to meaningful reforms that will unlock Nigeria’s economic potential.

In her call for national unity, Senator Tinubu urged Nigerians to stand together and support one another, reflecting her unwavering belief in the potential of the country and its people.

She concluded her message by wishing the nation a Happy New Year, calling for God’s blessings on the Federal Republic of Nigeria.