People Reuters spoke to on the streets of the Russian capital also said they were noticing a shortage of Western products while shopping for food and gifts.
Christmas markets are in full swing and impressive ice sculptures welcome visitors to Gorky Park, but some Muscovites admit that they have trouble getting into the festive mood ahead of the traditional New Year celebrations.
People interviewed by Reuters on the streets of the Russian capital also said that observe the inadequacy of Western products while shopping for food and gifts.
Asked if the 10-month conflict in Ukraine is affecting her mood, one woman, Maria, answered without hesitation. “Immediately. Yes. It’s hard to be in a festive mood when you realize there are people out there who are having such a hard time,” said Maria, visiting Gorky Park. “To be honest, there’s always hope that things will get better but it looks like they probably won’t,” he said.
Ivan, also interviewed by Reuters, indirectly referred to the conflict but said he would still celebrate. “A celebration is a celebration. Even though some of our partners do things where I’d rather they didn’t, it’s still a celebration for the kids, for the grandparents. And it should stay that way,” he said.
New Year’s Day is the main holiday these days in Russia, while believers of the Russian Orthodox Church also celebrate Christmas on January 7.
This year, it is inevitable that one will encounter things reminiscent of the conflict in Ukraine. The Latin letters Z, V and O –symbols adopted by the Russian military– are illuminated near the entrance to the well-known park.
In Red Square, a booth has been set up where people can donate gifts and humanitarian aid for the troops, to the sounds of loud Soviet-era music.
Some of those surveyed said their holiday shopping has been hampered by the impact of Western sanctions imposed on Russia over what Russian President Vladimir Putin calls a “special military operation” in Ukraine.
Vladislav Pukarev, owner of a business selling Christmas trees, said prices have risen as trees are harder to source and even more expensive to deliver to buyers. “People started spending less. They are buying smaller trees than last year. But they keep buying real fir trees,” he said.
Evgenia, who designs and manufactures jewelry, said her sales at the Christmas market have increased greatly compared to last year.
Outside a supermarket, pensioner Natalya said “50% of the products” had disappeared from the shelves. Asked what her mood was, she said: “Absolutely horrible. I think everyone shares that.”
Matvey, a student, said he misses Western brands and thus spent less on clothes this year. He stated that one of his friends was recruited and sent to the Crimea. When the conflict began, Matvey said, “I felt a void. I didn’t know what conclusion to draw from this. But then I kind of accepted it.”
A young woman, Natalya, said she noticed that there are now far fewer types of cheese available in the market and that she cannot buy her favorite Portuguese wine. Her father, Leonid, interrupted her saying: “But what a tragedy… There is a lot of Crimean wine. It is very good. Our wine, Russian.”
Several of those interviewed said they will try to celebrate the New Year in the usual way, even though this is difficult.
“Even though I’m not ready to celebrate her like I usually do, we need to celebrate her. We must give gifts, etc. I think we need to fight this feeling of uncertainty,” said Ekaterina, a researcher.
At the Christmas tree market, Moscow resident Daniela Kazova said she had “mixed emotions” this year. “It’s almost as if this holiday is no longer a holiday. But I just want to be with the people closest to me right now.”
Read the News today and get the latest news.
Follow Skai.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news.
With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
