Ukraine Unveils ‘Tree Of Invincibility’ That Stands As Russia Saps Electricity
By Mikelle Leow, 21 Dec 2022
Ukraine won’t let invaders take away its joy or the right to celebrate the festivities.
On Monday, locals were greeted by a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree at Sofia Square in the city center of Kyiv, keeping in line with tradition. The momentous display is lit up by blue and yellow fairy lights and adorned with white peace doves, and the Ukrainian coat of arms, the trident, sits at its crown.
It was just another day of Russian forces wearing down the nation’s infrastructure, including its power grid. By evening, though, the public was reassured that the holidays won’t be canceled.
Officials are calling the tree “the Christmas tree of Ukrainian invincibility” because it is living proof that the people can have a Christmas in spite of tumultuous times.
Ukrainians gathered on Monday to see a Christmas tree lit up with a generator in Kyiv, Ukraine. Residents have been affected by Russia’s repeated attacks on the country’s power infrastructure as Putin’s war continues. pic.twitter.com/XkXaLHOD4B
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) December 20, 2022
The tree is standing thanks to alternative energy sources, serving as an example of Ukraine’s resilience and adaptability. It still has glowing garlands, powered by a diesel generator, that will only be illuminated at specific intervals.
As a backup, the government has planted charging stations around the tree. Kyiv mayor Vitaliy Klitschko says they’ll be hidden in “a curious tent.”
“I’ll leave it as an intrigue as to which [tent they’re stashed in],” Klitschko announces on Telegram.
Less is more!! The New Years tree on #Sofiyska Square in #Kyiv has a lot of significance this year !!! ð³ð±ðºð¦ð¡@MFA_Ukraine @NLinUkraine pic.twitter.com/jqbFPUsano
— Jennes de Mol (@jennesdemol1) December 20, 2022
The energy-saving tree is also decorated with ornaments borrowed from past Christmases. And since the generator that the installation runs on was supplied by a benefactor, Kyiv says no expenses were drawn from municipal funds to set up the tree.
Ukraine’s main Christmas Tree in Kyiv lit up with blue and yellow. Christmas means hope. And Ukraine has one hope. This is victory. pic.twitter.com/ZqUdR475sf
— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) December 17, 2022
Elsewhere, the tree’s lower section showcases the flags of countries that are assisting Kyiv in coping with the war.
Although Klitschko bills the tree on Sofia Square as a symbol of how “we won’t give [Russia] a chance to steal the biggest holidays… from our children,” this year’s festivities will be much more modest, leaving out mass entertainment events, fairs, attractions, and food stalls.
Still, a tour operator present at the site tells AFP (via France 24) that the display drums up “a festive mood in such a difficult time.”
@helalyna But still we stay strong 𦾠#ukraineðºð¦ #christmas #christmastree #newyear #kyiv #kyivukraine #ÑкÑаÑнапеÑеможе #ÑкÑаÑнÑÑкийÑÑкÑок
⬠Carol Of The Bells - Lindsey Stirling
[via The New Voice of Ukraine, AFP / France 24, We Are Ukraine, images via various sources]