Russians do not feel New Year’s holidays because of Ukraine
2022.12.27 07:49
Russians do not feel New Year’s holidays because of Ukraine
Budrigannews.com – Even though Gorky Park is filled with sparkling ice sculptures and Christmas markets, some Muscovites admit that they are having trouble feeling festive ahead of the traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations.
During street interviews in the center of the capital, some people also said that as they were shopping for food and gifts this year, they noticed a lack of Western goods.
Maria immediately responded when asked if the ten-month conflict in Ukraine was affecting her mood.
“Directly. Yes. It is challenging to be happy when you comprehend that individuals out there are going through such terrible times,” she said on a visit to Gorky Park one late night.
“To be completely forthright with you, there is generally trust that things will improve, yet it seems like it will not improve,” she added with a sad grin.
Interviewed nearby, Ivan said he would still celebrate despite making indirect references to the conflict.
“A vacation remains a vacation. Despite the fact that a portion of our confidants are doing things some place I would prefer they wouldn’t do, this is as yet an occasion for kids, for grandparents. And it ought to remain that way,” he said.
Russia’s main holiday is New Year’s Day, but Orthodox Christians also celebrate Christmas on January 7.
This year, the conflict in Ukraine will never go away. The Latin letters Z, V and O – images embraced by the Russian military – are brilliantly enlightened close to the entry to the renowned park.
Outside, upbeat music from the Soviet era is playing, and a pavilion has been set up on Red Square for people to donate gifts and humanitarian aid to the troops.
Some of the people who were interviewed said that Western sanctions against Russia over what President Vladimir Putin calls his “special military operation” in Ukraine had made it harder for them to shop for the holidays.
According to Vladislav Pukharev, the proprietor of a market that sells New Year’s fir trees for people to decorate their homes, prices have increased as a result of the trees being more difficult to procure and more expensive to deliver.
“People began spending less. This year, they are purchasing trees that are smaller. However, they still purchase natural trees,” he stated.
However, Evgeniya, a jeweler, stated that her sales at a seasonal market had significantly increased over the previous year.
Natalia, a pensioner, stated that “50 percent of goods” had vanished from the shelves outside a supermarket. When asked how she was feeling, she said, Absolutely horrible. It seems to be shared by all.”
Matvey, a student, claimed that he had spent less on clothes this year because he had missed Western brands. He expressed one of his companions had been drafted into the military and shipped off Crimea, the Ukrainian promontory that Russia attacked and attached in 2014.
He stated, “I felt slightly empty.” at the beginning of the dispute. It was beyond my comprehension. However, after that, I kind of accepted it.”
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Natalia, a young woman, stated that she had noticed that there were significantly fewer cheeses available and that she was unable to purchase her preferred Portuguese wine.
She was interrupted by Leonid, her father: What a tragedy! There is a lot of wine from the Crimea. It’s excellent. Russian wine, ours.”
Even though it was challenging, several of those surveyed stated that they would attempt to celebrate the New Year in the traditional manner.
“Even though I’m not ready to celebrate it as usual, it must still be celebrated. We have to give gifts and such. According to Ekaterina, a researcher, “I think that we need to fight this feeling of uncertainty.”
Daniela Khazova, a resident of Moscow, stated that she had “complex feelings” this year at the tree market.
“The holiday almost no longer exists. But right now, all I want to do is be with my closest friends,” she said.
