King Charles issues clear message to Putin – but not with words | Royal | News
King Charles’ 2025 Christmas broadcast ended with a symbolic moment that sent a strong message to Vladimir Putin. As the monarch finished her speech in the Lady Chapel at Westminster Abbey, a Ukrainian choir wearing traditional “vyshyvanka” embroidered shirts performed a song alongside the Royal Opera Chorus, underlining Britain’s solidarity with Ukraine, which continues to defend itself against Russian aggression.
This comes as European leaders rally support for Ukraine amid signs that the US President will back Ukraine. Donald Trump America is running out of patience with its traditional European allies. The Ukrainian Song Choir performed Carol of the Bells, a piece rooted in Ukrainian musical heritage, providing a moving finale to the King’s reflections on peace, unity and resilience at a time of global conflict. Founded in 2023 in response to the war in Ukraine, the choir brings together singers from across Ukrainian society and supporters living in the UK. The message, a deliberate and visual show of support for Kiev, was loud enough even without a single direct mention from the Russian President in the speech.
In his speech, Charles spoke of the “courage and sacrifice of our soldiers” and the enduring values that shape the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, and called on communities to hold fast to compassion and reconciliation in a world marked by division.
He used the Christmas story to remind listeners of shared journeys. “They found an inner strength through physical and mental challenges,” he said, referring to the Holy Family and pilgrims traveling through purpose, faith and hardship as metaphors for modern life.
The broadcast also touched on acts of “spontaneous courage” by ordinary people, from humanitarian workers in conflict zones to ordinary citizens who step forward in times of crisis.
Charles’ Christmas message dates back to King George V in 1932, as well as Queen Elizabeth II. It’s a venerable tradition that continued when Elizabeth popularized the televised format and has now been adapted with Charles’ own personal touches.
This year’s speech comes after a deeply personal 12 months for the monarch, who has hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Windsor Castle on multiple occasions while openly sharing aspects of his own health journey and reinforcing his support for the war-torn country.
