Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has wished Ukrainians merry Christmas.

"Having come to our world, Christ gave us hope - even for the victory over death, hope for the victory over evil. Hope for justice, which is crucially important for Ukraine in times of tough challenges of our country," the president said in his Christmas greetings posted on his website.

In his words, Christmas is also "a huge heritage of purely Ukrainian traditions." "In these truly sincere folk texts we glorify the Newborn and wish each other happiness," Poroshenko said.

He wished every family warmth and comfort, blessing of the Christmas star and delicious kutia (a traditional Ukrainian Christmas dish).

"I especially want to greet Ukrainian warriors who currently defend our Homeland. Just as the Church defends us spiritually, our heroic troops defend us on earth. I ask little Jesus to provide great changes for the better in our Ukraine! For the entire Ukraine and for every Ukrainian," Poroshenko said.