Kyiv: Don’t let Putin steal Christmas

The mayor of Kyiv said the city “must not let Putin steal our Christmas” as Ukrainians prepare to celebrate the Christmas season by darkening their trees.

Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko said a Christmas tree will be erected in the Ukrainian capital to mark Christmas and New Year, as Russian airstrikes sap power and wreak havoc on critical infrastructure.

Klitschko’s call comes after weeks of air strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid, which intermittently cut homes across the country without electricity, light or water.

According to Klitschko, an “invincible” Christmas tree will be installed in St. Sophia Square. It is 12 meters high, ‘decorated with energy-saving lights’ and powered by a generator.

After Christmas, the company that provided the generator will donate it to the Ukrainian military, according to Klitschko’s social media posts.

However, energy company YASNO said the trees would not be lit and that large events would remain prohibited under martial law.

But “no one is going to cancel New Year’s Day and Christmas, there must be a New Year’s atmosphere,” Klitschko told Ukrainian news agency RBC-Ukraine. “Don’t let Putin steal our Christmas.” ” he insisted.

Given the pressure on the Ukrainian power grid, it was confirmed that the tree installation had no mains-powered lighting. Using a generator seems to be an alternative.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska urged the international community to stay focused on the conflict as the festive season approaches.

“I hope that as the season of Christmas draws near, we will not forget our tragedy or grow accustomed to our suffering.

“We realize that nine months is a very long time and Ukrainians are very tired of this war, but we have no choice on this matter. The British people have a choice: they can get used to our tragedy and focus on their important things in life,” she said.

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