Name: Fourth Christmas at war for Ukraine
Uploaded: 2025-12-26T14:52:09.125Z
Duration: 2 min 1 s
Description: Ukrainians have been celebrating their fourth Christmas at war, with the holiday coming to bear the hallmarks of restored traditions, long forgotten for decades after they were repressed during the soviet era. While many are trying to take a certain comfort in the moment, the war with Russia is ever-present.

Ukrainians have been celebrating their fourth Christmas at war, with the holiday coming to bear the hallmarks of restored traditions, long forgotten for decades after they were repressed during the soviet era. While many are trying to take a certain comfort in the moment, the war with Russia is ever-present.

Kyiv

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

In Kyiv, Ukrainians marked their fourth consecutive Christmas during ongoing conflict, holding colorful carol processions under the threat of Russian drone attacks. The celebrations included the revival of traditional customs, which many see as an act of cultural resistance, especially after President Volodymyr Zelensky shifted the official Christmas date to December 25th to further distance Ukraine from Russian religious influence.

The holiday also served as a moment of comfort for those affected by the war, including families of prisoners of war held by Russia, some of whom have now spent four Christmases in captivity. Despite the hardships, participants emphasized the importance of maintaining Ukrainian identity and spirit in the face of adversity.

Fourth Christmas at war for Ukraine

Against the grey Kiev skies, a procession of carols in colour in celebration of Christmas. But there's always a reminder that the war is never far away. Sirens signal an incoming Russian drone. Shahids, go away and we'll keep on singing. As the alert lifts, the procession continues, a symbol of Ukraine's unwillingness to give in. I think that restoring our traditions is also one of the options for fighting the occupier. Because he wants to trample on our traditions, moreover, Putin refused to take a pause during Christmas, which means he terrorises us during Christmas as well. Two years ago, President Volodymyr Zelensky moved up Christmas to December 25th, a way to distance Ukraine still further from the Russian Orthodox Church and its own celebrations on January 7th. And Ukrainians have been resurrecting other traditions once repressed during the Soviet era. This year I learned carols, I decorated a star, sewed an embroidered shirt. I see our identity in it. You can't beat us if we are distinctive. No one can impose their will on us, no one can take it from us. For many, Christmas represents a moment of comfort, particularly those who've spent time on the front line. It's important to combine the understanding that we are now in a state of war, and the war costs us very dearly every day. But at the same time, we must celebrate another Christmas that has come with even more spirit. A few hundred metres away, though, another gathering, one less festive, for friends and families of prisoners of war in Russian hands demanding their freedom. For some, it's their fourth Christmas as prisoners in a row.

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