The Daily Populous

Thursday December 25th, 2025 evening edition

image for Zelenskyy wishes Putin would 'perish' in Christmas Eve address

In his traditional address to Ukrainians on Christmas Eve, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his compatriots have one wish as "the heavens open" on this night — the death of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Since ancient times, Ukrainians have believed that, on Christmas night, the heavens open.

And we make one wish – for all of us," Zelenskyy said.

"'May he perish,' each of us may think to ourselves," the Ukrainian leader stated, referring to Putin without naming him.

Since launching its full-scale invasion in early 2022, Russia has used the Christmas period to launch major attacks on Ukraine rather than agree on ceasefires.

Putin ordered his army to observe a ceasefire between 6 and 7 January 2023 — Christmas Eve and Christmas Day according to the Julian calendar, which some Eastern Orthodox churches follow.

Meanwhile, Russia launched 131 drones against Ukraine on Christmas Eve, according to Ukrainian air force. »

Arkansas Player Wins $1.87 Billion Powerball Jackpot on Christmas

Authored by realmwire.com
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The winning Powerball jackpot hit a massive $1.87 billion on Christmas Eve, making it the second largest prize ever awarded in US lottery history.

Forbes estimates Bruce Springsteen’s net worth at $1.2 billion, Rihanna’s at $1.4 billion, and Taylor Swift’s fortune at around $1.6 billion.

The biggest Powerball jackpot ever still belongs to Edwin Castro, who won $2.04 billion in California back in November 2022. »

Anti-Israel Colombia integrates IAI’s Barak air defense system

Authored by en.globes.co.il

According to ZM, the Colombian Air Force is currently integrating the first battery of the system, including the command and control systems and radars.

All of the procured batteries are due to be delivered by 2026, with full operational deployment to be completed by 2032.

The Barak MX system supports various radars and launchers for coverage against fighter jets, helicopters, UAVs, cruise missiles, surface-to-air missiles and surface-to-surface missiles. »