Good morning to readers; #Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
A few years ago Mariana's grandma broke down crying and decided not to spend Xmas with her family.
A rift split the family after her grandma refused leave her #Russia-aligned church accused of spying for the enemy. https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/how-russia-split-my-family-over-christmas
For the past four years, Mariana loved #Christmas. Her family reunited in their hometown after long weeks of separation, set the table with clay dishes, and annoyed the neighbors with rumbling laughter.
But the joy was short-lived. Her mother's gaze would drift toward Mariana's grandmother, who, instead of a festive dinner, declined to celebrate. #Christmas had not yet arrived for her.
Within seconds, accusations will begin: specifically, that Mariana's grandmother is continuing the traditions of "Russian agents."
Most of the world celebrates #Christmas on December 25. But Ukraine, until recently, followed Russia's lead, marking it on January 7.
The shared religious calendar was one of the tools used to sustain the myth of Slavic unity, allowing Moscow to maintain its influence long after Ukrainian independence.
The war has accelerated Ukraine's separation from #Russia, including through religion.
Celebrating #Christmas on December 25 was another step toward aligning with the West. and a process of decolonization.
But this shift came with consequences. For thousands of families, including my own, Christmas is not only a time of reunion but also a source of arguments.
Mariana has personally witnessed how #Russian influence can quietly take root, even among those closest to us. It often reveals itself in fierce resistance to returning to their own Ukrainian traditions, even among people who consider themselves patriotic.
There is tragedy in this for every such family: a holiday that typically unites people has instead become a source of division — and a weapon in Russia's hands.
Mariana witnessed this chasm with her own eyes.
Want to find out more about the families forced to celebrate Christmas on different days after a split between the pro-Ukrainian and pro-Russian
Orthodox churches? Read the full story through the link https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/how-russia-split-my-family-over-christmas
#NEWS OF THE DAY:
We built today’s News of the Day section using Ground.News, a media literacy tool that helps cut through the fog in this time of disinformation. https://ground.news/mak
#RUSSIA MIXED SIGNALS ON PEACE PROCESS: #Putin envoy Kirill Dmitriev hailed peace talks in Florida as “constructive,” as he met with Trump representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20251221-ongoing-ukraine-peace-talks-miami-constructive-kremlin-envoy-says
At the same time, #Putin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov slammed changes to the notorious 28 point plan, which the Europeans and Ukrainians have whittled down to 20 points. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/kremlin-says-chances-peace-not-improved-by-european-ukrainian-changes-us-2025-12-21/
#US INTEL: #RUSSIA WANTS ALL UKRAINE: Intelligence from the United States continues to show that Putin’s objectives continue to be the capture of all Ukraine, as well as parts of Europe that were part of the USSR. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-intelligence-indicates-putins-war-aims-ukraine-are-unchanged-2025-12-19/
For the past four years, Mariana loved Christmas. Her family reunited in their hometown after long weeks of separation, set the table with clay dishes, and annoyed the neighbors with rumbling laughter.
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