“NO JOY THIS YEAR”
Russia has denied targeting civilians. It has called its invasion a “special military operation” aimed at preventing the expansion of NATO, a war aim that Kyiv and its allies have called a lie.
The conflict, the deadliest on European soil since World War II, has resulted in a tidal wave of destruction that has displaced millions and left entire Ukrainian cities in ruins.
Pensioner Neonila said Ukrainians had “adapted” to the power outages, living by candlelight and with flashlights on their phones.
But she said she felt “no joy” this New Year.
“We’ll celebrate at home, modestly, with no frills,” she said.
Authorities in Vyshgorod set up so-called “resilience centres” during the blackout, where residents could charge their phones.
The town also suffered “heavy bombing”, longtime resident Ivan Oleksiiovych told AFP, describing the attacks as “stupid”.
US President Donald Trump, who regularly complains he does not receive credit as a peacemaker, has engaged in talks with both sides in a bid to end the fighting.
But he has so far failed to extract major concessions from the Kremlin – which currently occupies around a fifth of Ukraine.
Neonila said she was reluctant to make plans for 2026. She had a few wishes for next year.
“That there be light,” she said. “Everything else will follow.”