On the Red Square of the Russian capital, the atmosphere of the end of the year seems good child.
The rides and the skaters slide under the heavy snowfall.
But the hearts of Muscovites are not at the party.
The conflict in Ukraine is bogged down.
The human losses on the side of the Russian soldiers are very heavy.
Economic difficulties make life difficult.
In this gloomy context, the war is also being played out in the field of communication.
Among the holiday decorations installed in the White City, new embellishments have popped up alongside the large golden "2023" that announce the new year: gigantic blazing neon "Z"s that recall the white letters drawn on Russian tanks on the forehead.
On a luminous panel scroll the faces of soldiers sent to the front against a background of the Russian flag.
Several hundred kilometers away, it's a Santa Claus who boosts the morale of the troops about forty kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
He arrived perched on a tank adorned with a Russian flag.
Then in a snowy forest, this traditional "Ded Moroz" with the big white beard and long luminous cane comforted several soldiers, khaki green balaclavas going up to the nose but whose smiles we can guess.
The scene is broadcast by the authorities of Belgorod, a Russian city bordering Ukraine, as a response to images of Christmas vigils at the Ukrainian enemy.
Read alsoWar in Ukraine: in kyiv, Christmas Eve around the “war tree”
Sign of this harsh time, the municipality of Moscow has just announced that its traditional fireworks display has been canceled.
In fact, it was the inhabitants who wanted it, by voting online against the festivities.
No grandiose festivities therefore in the city, certain inhabitants like Nadezhda prefer that the money be kept for the soldiers.
“Our soldiers should not lack quality equipment and supplies,” says this economist.
I really feel sorry for them”.
