British PM Starmer wished for peace in Christmas speech

In a Christmas message, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday, December 23, wished the subjects of the United Kingdom peace, especially in the Middle East.

"This Christmas I will hope for peace, especially in the Middle East where the Christmas story originated <...> I will strive for a better and brighter future for everyone and celebrate the joy and wonder that Christmas brings," Sky News quoted Starmer as saying.

He added that he was especially grateful to those who will spend Christmas serving others. Meaning medics, military personnel, employees of charitable organizations and ministers of the church.

According to the channel, Starmer tried to lift the spirits of fellow citizens and create a "more optimistic" outlook for 2025.

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Will the Union be able to single-handedly support Ukraine if the US under Trump changes its policy

Earlier, on December 21, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed support for Ukrainians in his Christmas speech. Kristersson emphasized that Sweden will support Ukraine as long as necessary.

On December 19, the EU leaders, following a summit in Brussels, confirmed their intention to continue supporting Kiev, including military support. The country intends to allocate €30.6 billion in 2025: €12.5 billion from the European Fund for Support of Ukraine and €18.1 billion from the program of G7 loans for €45 billion with repayment from the proceeds of Russian assets.

Western countries have stepped up military and financial support for Ukraine against the backdrop of Russia's special operation to protect Donbass, which was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022, after the situation in the region worsened due to shelling by the Ukrainian military.