Some toys were broken by Russians: Kharkiv is decorated for the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion of the country.

For the first time since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Kharkiv has been adorned for Christmas and New Year 2025. This was reported by the city mayor, Igor Terekhov.

He noted that the festive lights and decorations symbolize resilience, love for the hometown, and faith in victory. The city leader emphasized that this year has been extremely challenging for Kharkiv.

"The enemy terrorizes the city daily, but the spirit of Kharkiv — our spirit — cannot be broken. Together, we overcome difficulties, heal the city's wounds, and strive to normalize our lives amid war," added Igor Terekhov.

It should be noted that the center of Kharkiv began to be decorated as early as the beginning of November. This was reported by "Ukrinform," citing the press secretary of KP "Kharkivzelenstroy," Irina Saiko.

She mentioned that four locations were decorated: Shevchenko Park, the area near the Opera House, the Mirror Stream, and the dry fountain at Freedom Square. All the illumination and decorations were reused; nothing new was purchased.

Irina Saiko added that the premises where the decorations were stored had previously been accessed by Russians, resulting in the loss of some New Year elements. Some of these have been restored by the utility workers.

Recall that on December 6, the lights were lit on the main Christmas tree in Kyiv. It is surrounded by two kilometers of garlands and decorated with over two thousand ornaments.

Additionally, a few years ago, a "bald" Christmas tree appeared in the central Piazza Venezia in Rome. It was nicknamed "the scraggly one" and even got its own social media account. It later turned out that it cost the city 49,000 euros.