A Christmas of defiance as Kyiv taunts its Grinch...

VLADIMIR Putin may be the Grinch trying to steal Ukraine's Christmas, with Donald Trump as Scrooge, due to his tightfisted military aid, but Ukrainians are defying both, with undiminished festive cheer.

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In the waning days of 2025, with light and hope in often desperately short supply, Kyiv's city centre has no shortage of colourfully decorated trees, lively carollers and brightly lit Christmas markets.

The rolling blackouts still fill the ubiquitous tower blocks with hour upon hour of darkness and gloom, and curfews still regulate the night, as drones continue to swoop down, but evenings offer a festive respite.

Vladimir, a retired classical violinist who plays to pedestrians in the subway under Independence Square, is helping boost public morale. He holds out hope of eventual peace for his country, after nearly four years of relentless war.