It’s been just over ten months since Russia invaded Ukraine, and the war doesn’t take a break over Christmas. But Christmas is celebrated as best it can for the Ukrainians – but often in a new way.
The holiday has taken on yet another political dimension in that many people – in order to further distance themselves from Russia – have chosen to depart from the traditional Orthodox celebration after the New Year. Instead, people celebrate at the same time as people in the West.
– I want nothing to do with our occupiers and enemies, says Olena Zakharova-Gorianska, who chooses to celebrate Christmas today.
– My wish, which I share with all Ukrainians, is that Ukraine wins, says artist Anna Zaretska.
See the political Christmas celebrations in the player above.