This Ukrainian metro station became a bomb shelter when the city came under Russian attack. Now, for the holidays, it’s also a Christmas village where kids can drop off letters to Grandfather Frost, the Slavic version of Santa Claus.
Children pose for photos in front of a Christmas tree and other holiday decorations in a metro station in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Dec. 11.Children pose for photos in front of a Christmas tree and other holiday decorations in a metro station in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Dec. 11.KHARKIV, Ukraine — The majestic square in Ukraine's second-largest city is quiet this December. There is no Christmas tree or light show or pop-up skating rink.
Next to it is a small hut with a mailbox where children can drop off letters to Ded Moroz, or Grandfather Frost, who is like the Slavic version of Santa Claus. This spring, when Russian bombing and artillery strikes were especially bad, thousands of residents spent weeks sheltering in subway stations.
Maksym walks to Grandfather Frost's mailbox and drops off his Christmas wishes letter. He says he's asked for two gifts — a PlayStation 5 and peace. Left: 27-year-old Kostiatyn Novikov in his Grandfather Frost costume. Right: 4-year-old Emma Kochalka with Grandfather Frost. Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Dec. 11.Left: 27-year-old Kostiatyn Novikov in his Grandfather Frost costume. Right: 4-year-old Emma Kochalka with Grandfather Frost. Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Dec. 11.Novikov, an actor who's played Grandfather Frost for five years, works for weeks, from western Christmas on Dec. 25 through to the Orthodox Christmas on Jan. 7.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy planning visit to the US for first foreign trip since Russian invasionTwo congressional sources and one other person familiar with the matter said Zelenskyy’s visit could still be called off at the last minute due to security concerns. The visit to Washington is set to include an address to Congress on Capitol Hill.
Read more »
Suburban English learner classrooms adapting to meet needs of new Ukrainian and Russian studentsAs the war in Ukraine continues to rage, local school districts are having to adjust their English Language Learner curriculum due to the rising number of Ukrainian and Russian students moving to the area.
Read more »
Russia issues new threat about Ukraine war as Zelensky heads to U.S.Russian rhetoric has escalated as the Ukrainian president is likely to request additional security aid.
Read more »
Winter camo gear tops Christmas wish lists for Ukrainian troops as drone strikes escalateSoldiers in Ukraine say they need gear like camouflage to help them with the changing weather conditions as winter sets in and Russia relies on drones to locate troop positions.
Read more »
Ukrainian refugee family finds Christmas spirit in Pa. one day at a timeLiliia Petrova and her family fled war-torn Ukraine and have found a home outside Harrisburg thanks to Zion Lutheran Church.
Read more »
Lowry: How a Russian composer took over American Christmas“The Nutcracker” has become as American as Friday Night Lights, and as much a holiday...
Read more »