In a dramatic escalation overnight into Christmas, Russia and Ukraine exchanged a record number of drone strikes. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky conveyed a grim sentiment shared by many of his compatriots: they wish to see Russian President Vladimir Putin gone.

During his Christmas Eve address, Zelensky hinted at this collective wish in a veiled reference to Putin, stating, “Many of us might silently think, ‘May he perish.'” However, he emphasized a higher purpose, adding, “When we turn to God, we ask for something greater. We ask for peace for Ukraine—it’s what we fight for, pray for, and deserve, so every Ukrainian family can live in harmony.”

On the ground, Russia unleashed 131 drones over Ukraine throughout the night. According to the Ukrainian air force, 22 drones hit 15 targeted locations, while 106 were successfully intercepted.

As reported by ABC News, Ukraine’s State Emergency Services updated via Telegram on Christmas morning, revealing that at least one person lost their life and 14 others were injured due to Russian attacks over the previous 24 hours.

Ukraine’s State Emergency Services said on Telegram on Christmas morning that at least one person was killed and 14 others injured by Russian strikes in the past 24 hours, ABC News reported.

Russia’s defense ministry said it shot down at least 387 Ukrainian drones in that same period — including more than a dozen over Moscow. The barrage of Ukrainian drones represented the largest number reported in a 24-period since the start of the war, the Kremlin said.

Although Zelensky tempered his seemingly bellicose Christmas message regarding Putin, it was poorly received by the Russian government.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called it “uncultured, embittered, and coming from a seemingly unhinged person” and questioned whether the Ukrainian president is “capable of making any rational decisions” because of it, Russian media reports.

Zelensky’s message, and the drone strikes, followed his presenting a new 20-point peace plan to try to end the neighboring nations’ nearly four-year war, sparked with Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

“Moscow has not only rejected the request to end the killing at least for this Holy Day, instead, Russia launched a massive missile and drone strike against Ukraine’s energy grid, causing power outages, and continues frontline assaults,” Zelensky said of the continuing holiday carnage.

“Regrettably, Russia continues to reject real cease-fire proposals, as it has done throughout the year. Instead, it is clearly seeking ways to prolong the war and continue attacks.”