'We cannot allow Putin steal our Christmas': Ukraine shows faith and defiance in the face of fear

Kyiv's mayor has insisted on putting up the city's Christmas tree this year and POLINA BASHKINA hears from families preparing to celebrate even amid the Russian bombardment

A weeping woman is comforted by a Ukraine Red Cross worker after a Russian missile attack in Kryvyi Rih last Friday. Despite the deaths, the power cuts, and other privations, Ukrainians are determined to make the best Christmas that they can. Picture: Evgeniy Maloletka/AP

"With candles and a power bank. And also with barbecues. Because you can’t cook on electric stoves now.” That is how Olena Mishchenko answers when asked how she will celebrate the new year.

While people all over the world are looking forward to what will be the most ‘normal’ Christmas they have experienced since before the pandemic, for millions in Ukraine, that reality is even further away than many ever imagined.