IZIUM, Ukraine — Hopes for victory, a swift end to the war and prayers for their loved ones' survival or return from Russian captivity are among the wishes scattered throughout letters sent to a volunteer group by Ukrainian children living in front-line areas.
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Volunteers of the local NGO Ukrainian Frontiers unload presents from a van Dec. 6 before celebrations of St. Nicholas Day in Izium, Ukraine.
Alina Soboleva, 9, holds her cat Murchik on Dec. 6 at her house in Izium, Ukraine.
Children receive presents from volunteers of the NGO Ukrainian Frontiers during Dec. 6 celebrations of St. Nicholas Day in Izium, Ukraine.
Children stand under a play parachute during an event organized by the NGO Ukrainian Frontiers during a celebration of St. Nicholas Day on Dec. 6 in Izium, Ukraine.
A letter by Marko Soroka to St. Nicholas sits with others Dec. 6 in Izium, Ukraine. It reads, "Dear St. Nicholas! My name is Marko Soroka, I'm 11 years old. I love to play lego and draw. My mom says that im a good boy. My wish is returning my father from Russian captivity. All children who are waiting for their parents to be released from captivity dream of receiving such a gift. For all people I wish a good health and peace."Â
From left, Masha, 12, Tymofiy, 12, and Illia, 6, carry presents to their homes after a celebration Dec. 6 in Izium, Ukraine.
Ukrainian children celebrate holidays under shadow of war
A letter Dec. 6 by Marko Soroka to St. Nicholas sits with others in Izium, Ukraine. It reads: "Dear St. Nicholas! My name is Marko Soroka, I'm 11 years old. I love to play lego and draw. My mom says that im a good boy. My wish is returning my father from Russian captivity. All children who are waiting for their parents to be released from captivity dream of receiving such a gift. For all people I wish a good health and peace."
Alina Soboleva, 9, holds her cat "Murchik" on Dec. 6 at her house in Izium, Ukraine. Her grandmother, Svitlana Lokotosh, explains that Alina has been withdrawn since witnessing the deaths of her mother and other grandmother in a shelling in the courtyard of their home.
Alina Soboleva, 9, walks with her grandmother, Svitlana Lokotosh, to participate in an event Dec. 6, St. Nicholas Day, in Izium, Ukraine.
Volunteers of the local NGO Ukrainian Frontiers unload presents from a van Dec. 6 before celebrations of St. Nicholas Day in Izium, Ukraine.
Kateryna Shutalova, center, a psychologist of the NGO Ukrainian Frontiers, performs in front of children Dec. 6 during celebrations of St. Nicholas Day in Izium, Ukraine.
Children and volunteers of the NGO Ukrainian Frontiers wave a play parachute Dec. 6 during celebrations of St. Nicholas Day in Izium, Ukraine.
Children stand under a play parachute Dec. 6 during an event organized by the local NGO Ukrainian Frontiers during celebration St. Nicholas Day in Izium, Ukraine.
A girl crawls though an improvised tunnel Dec. 6 during celebrations of St. Nicholas Day in Izium, Ukraine.
Children reach out for soap bubbles Dec. 6 during celebrations of St. Nicholas Day in Izium, Ukraine.
Volunteers of the NGO Ukrainian Frontiers dance Dec. 6 during celebrations of St. Nicholas Day in Izium, Ukraine.
Children wait in line Dec. 6 to receive presents from volunteers of the NGO Ukrainian Frontiers during celebrations of St. Nicholas Day in Izium, Ukraine.
A boy hugs a man wearing a St. Nicholas costume during Dec. 6 celebrations of St. Nicholas Day in Izium, Ukraine.
Children receive presents from volunteers of the NGO Ukrainian Frontiers during Dec. 6 celebrations of St. Nicholas Day in Izium, Ukraine.
From left, Masha, 12, Tymofiy, 12, and Illia, 6, carry presents to their homes Dec. 6 after celebrations of St. Nicholas Day in Izium, Ukraine.
