Several Kyiv officials assured citizens that Russia would not allow Ukrainian children to “steal” their Christmas, and burned a small tree in the center of the capital.
Monday began with a series of bombings on various critical infrastructure in Kiev, but ended with the planting of a 12-metre-tall artificial tree adorned with peace pigeons in the city centre.
Dozens of people braved the freezing cold to admire the tree next to the Hagia Sophia Cathedral, famous for its golden domes in Kiev, and did not miss the opportunity to take a selfie.
Among them was Natalya, a tour guide. According to him, the tree “brings an air of festivity to a difficult period”.
“It’s a very symbolic element of our year-end festivities,” he added, in front of the tree, which is illuminated by yellow and blue lamps, the colors of the national flag.
At the top is the coat of arms of the country, which depicts a golden trident.
“The Russians are trying to deprive our citizens of a normal life, but we will not allow them to steal from our children the biggest holidays, New Year and Christmas,” Mayor Vitali Klitschko said during the opening.
“Invincibility”
According to Orthodox tradition, Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on January 7, but various studies show that an increasing number of people prefer to celebrate it on December 25, as in other churches.
An Interfax-Ukraine survey shows that support for this change has increased from 26% in 2021 to 44% in 2022.
Klitschko admitted that the mayor was skeptical at first about planting the tree, as he feared bombings by Russian forces in the north in mid-winter that caused massive power outages in the country.
But the city adapted. Tree lights are illuminated by a diesel generator and decorations from other years are used.
“We call it the ‘Christmas tree of Ukrainian invincibility,'” Klitschko said, emphasizing the idea that “children have a good holiday despite tough times”.
But it’s hard to ignore conflict and completely get into the holiday spirit.
“There is no special festive atmosphere,” accountant Tetyana Prykhodko told AFP. He has just moved to Kiev from the city of Kherson, which has been occupied by the Russians for months, in the south of the country.
“I hope that eventually all this will end and peace will come. That’s what we’re all hoping for,” he said.
source: Noticias
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.