Ternopil without a Christmas Tree: the City Honors the Victims of the Russian Missile Strike.

According to ТСН: This year, Christmas celebrations in Ternopil are taking place without traditional festivities and a main Christmas tree. The city honors the memory of 38 civilians who died as a result of massive Russian shelling a month ago.

The Tragedy of One Family

Among those who experienced this terrible loss is Kamal El Akhdar, a native of Morocco who came to Ukraine for his studies and decided to stay. He married Maria.

November 19 was fatal for his family: while Kamal was preparing milk for their child in the kitchen, a Russian shell hit their home. The man survived as he was in the neighboring room. His wife Maria and their two children, 6-year-old Kamila and 1-year-old Nazar, died on the spot, and three other residents of the house are considered missing.

“One second changes your whole life. You look at them, and in a moment they are gone. It is hard when three of the most important people disappear at once,” shares Kamal.

Now he, along with his wife’s parents, visits the graves of his loved ones every day.

“There is a lot of sympathy. I am grateful to everyone who helps me cope with the loss. But no sympathy in the world can bring back my beloved grandchildren, my daughter,” says Oleksandra, the mother of the slain Maria.

The City without Celebration

The media reports that this year Ternopil has felt the full-scale war with particular brutality. In addition to the 38 civilian victims of the November shelling, the city has lost over 450 servicemen during the course of the great war. Due to mourning and a difficult energy situation, the city authorities decided not to install the main Christmas tree in the central square.

Ternopil Mayor Serhiy Nadal emphasized that bright celebrations would be inappropriate, noting that the community has actively united to help the victims, providing them with food, clothing, and support. Most surveyed residents support the absence of entertainment.

“There has been no festive atmosphere for four years now. I am glad that they did not put up a Christmas tree,” said local resident Yulia.

Despite the city being devoid of holiday attributes, the residents of Ternopil are trying to preserve family traditions. For many, this Christmas has become a reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment spent with loved ones, as in times of aggression, safety remains fragile even at a great distance from the front line.

As a reminder, Russian troops attacked Ternopil on the night of November 19. During this shelling, there was a hit on one of the high-rise buildings in the city.

As of December 10, the number of deaths during the Russian attack in Ternopil has risen to 38, including eight children. Three others are still considered missing. On December 9, the demolition of the high-rise building on Stusa Street, which was destroyed by a missile, began in the city.

The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the attack on residential buildings in Ternopil, the Russian army used cruise missiles, the components of which were manufactured in the USA, China, Taiwan, Germany, the Netherlands, and other countries.

This tragedy has become a vivid testimony to the harsh reality faced by the residents of Ukraine during the war. Each shelling brings new losses, and traditional holidays turn into a time of remembrance and mourning. In such moments, it is important to support one another, as only through joint efforts can we endure these difficult times. As the example of Kamal’s family shows, even in the toughest moments, it is necessary to preserve humanity and kindness, helping those who suffer from loss.