The lives of Ukrainians in Kyiv have drastically changed following Russia s launch of cruise missiles and suicide drones from October. Yet festive spirits remained unbroken in the city.
All they really wanted for Christmas was victory in the barbaric war started by Vladimir Putin, which forced them to flee their homeland, and a return to peace.
The liberation of Kherson has once again highlighted the horror of Russia s use of booby traps - with door handles, fridges and even children s toys turned into lethal weapons.
Horrifying images of Olena Kurylo s bloodied and bandaged face sent shockwaves around the world when a missile destroyed her apartment on the first day of Putin s invasion of Ukraine.