Category
Life in Ukraine

Ukraine’s Christmas Dinner Honors Those Who Fight for Freedom, in Photos

Ukrainian serviceman Yehor Babenko at a Christmas table

We thank them. We remember them. We stand with those who continue to fight for a free Ukraine. Today, Ukrainian homes are filled with the light of Christmas candles. Behind every flicker lies the sacrifice of those who have given their health, their bodies, and their peace of mind—the Ukrainian defenders.

Authors
Mykyta Shandyba
Mykyta Shandyba
Photographer
Vlada_Toporkova
Vlada Toporkova
Author

Christmas isn’t just a date on the calendar. It’s a time to pause, set everything aside, and spend time with the people we love. In Ukraine, moments like these are a treasure. The Russian invasion disrupts lives with brutal occupation, relentless strikes, and unbearable loss. Every peaceful evening, every quiet moment with loved ones exists because of the people standing guard at the forefront of the nation’s survival—the Ukrainian Armed Forces. 

This Christmas, Ukraine celebrates because of them. Because of those who fight today. Because of those who gave everything so that families could celebrate this holiday in peace.

Ukrainian serviceman Yehor Babenko is one of the heroes, reminding us to honor those who are no longer with us. This traditional Ukrainian Christmas dinner, organized by the defenders of the 126th Brigade, is held in their memory. They stay close, in our hearts and “on the shield.” 

Ukrainian serviceman, Yehor Babenko, who paid his price fighting the Russian invasion in 2022 in the Mykolaiv region. By his side are his mother, Svitlana, and his younger sister, Kira, offering unwavering support and love. (Photo: Mykyta Shandyba)
Ukrainian serviceman, Yehor Babenko, who paid his price fighting the Russian invasion in 2022 in the Mykolaiv region. By his side are his mother, Svitlana, and his younger sister, Kira, offering unwavering support and love. (Photo: Mykyta Shandyba)
Yehor and his family sit at a traditional Ukrainian Christmas table. To his right, an array of flags representing Ukraine’s fallen fills Kyiv’s central Independence Square, honoring the nation’s defenders who gave their all. (Photo: Mykyta Shandyba)
Yehor and his family sit at a traditional Ukrainian Christmas table. To his right, an array of flags representing Ukraine’s fallen fills Kyiv’s central Independence Square, honoring the nation’s defenders who gave their all. (Photo: Mykyta Shandyba)
The Christmas table is adorned with traditional Ukrainian dishes. On Christmas Eve, known as "Sviat Vechir" in Ukrainian, it is customary to serve 12 festive dishes. At the heart of the feast is kutia—a rich porridge made from whole wheat, rice, barley, or oats, sweetened with honey, jam, and dried fruits, symbolizing life and rebirth. Ukrainian ancestors believed that on this evening, the spirits of the departed returned to join the holiday dinner, blessing the family with their presence. (Photo: Mykyta Shandyba)
The Christmas table is adorned with traditional Ukrainian dishes. On Christmas Eve, known as "Sviat Vechir" in Ukrainian, it is customary to serve 12 festive dishes. At the heart of the feast is kutia—a rich porridge made from whole wheat, rice, barley, or oats, sweetened with honey, jam, and dried fruits, symbolizing life and rebirth. Ukrainian ancestors believed that on this evening, the spirits of the departed returned to join the holiday dinner, blessing the family with their presence. (Photo: Mykyta Shandyba)
Alongside kutia, the table is often filled with a variety of other dishes. These include uzvar—a sweet, dried fruit compote; holubtsi—stuffed cabbage rolls filled with rice and mushrooms; and borshch, a beetroot soup often served with a dollop of sour cream. Varenyky, or dumplings, stuffed with ingredients like potatoes, mushrooms, or cabbage, are another staple, as well as Ukrainian Christmas bread. Each dish has its own unique meaning. (Photo: Mykyta Shandyba)
Alongside kutia, the table is often filled with a variety of other dishes. These include uzvar—a sweet, dried fruit compote; holubtsi—stuffed cabbage rolls filled with rice and mushrooms; and borshch, a beetroot soup often served with a dollop of sour cream. Varenyky, or dumplings, stuffed with ingredients like potatoes, mushrooms, or cabbage, are another staple, as well as Ukrainian Christmas bread. Each dish has its own unique meaning. (Photo: Mykyta Shandyba)
In these photos, Yehor represents Ukraine’s defenders, the cost of freedom, and the peace we cherish today. Seated under the evening sky of free Kyiv, he stands as a reminder that the ability to celebrate Christmas is made possible by the courage, resilience, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces. (Photo: Mykyta Shandyba)
In these photos, Yehor represents Ukraine’s defenders, the cost of freedom, and the peace we cherish today. Seated under the evening sky of free Kyiv, he stands as a reminder that the ability to celebrate Christmas is made possible by the courage, resilience, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces. (Photo: Mykyta Shandyba)
When Christmas table brings people together—family, friends, and those who truly understand—we share not just a meal, but our hopes and dreams for the future. Such moments also provide us with time to reflect and carry on traditions passed down through generations, allowing ourselves to be vulnerable with the loved ones. (Photo: Mykyta Shandyba)
When Christmas table brings people together—family, friends, and those who truly understand—we share not just a meal, but our hopes and dreams for the future. Such moments also provide us with time to reflect and carry on traditions passed down through generations, allowing ourselves to be vulnerable with the loved ones. (Photo: Mykyta Shandyba)
As the family gathers, the souls of fallen defenders are present at the Christmas table, embodied in the light of the Christmas star. Tonight, both the star and and nation’s thoughts are dedicated to them. The table itself stands as a powerful symbol of unity, life, hope, peace, and light. (Photo: Mykyta Shandyba)
As the family gathers, the souls of fallen defenders are present at the Christmas table, embodied in the light of the Christmas star. Tonight, both the star and and nation’s thoughts are dedicated to them. The table itself stands as a powerful symbol of unity, life, hope, peace, and light. (Photo: Mykyta Shandyba)
Despite everything he has been through, Yehor has not lost faith in his people. He shares this Christmas table in spirit with those who are no longer with us and places his hope in the strength of those who continue the fight against Russian invasion. In the background stands the Berehynia monument, depicting a woman holding a guelder-rose branch—a powerful symbol of Ukraine and its spirit of resistance. It was here, during the Revolution of Dignity, that Ukraine’s fight for freedom began, driven by the nation’s aspiration for a more just and transparent future. (Photo: Mykyta Shandyba)
Despite everything he has been through, Yehor has not lost faith in his people. He shares this Christmas table in spirit with those who are no longer with us and places his hope in the strength of those who continue the fight against Russian invasion. In the background stands the Berehynia monument, depicting a woman holding a guelder-rose branch—a powerful symbol of Ukraine and its spirit of resistance. It was here, during the Revolution of Dignity, that Ukraine’s fight for freedom began, driven by the nation’s aspiration for a more just and transparent future. (Photo: Mykyta Shandyba)
The Christmas table, standing as a beacon of unity and support, offers a place for everyone, no matter the hardships or life’s challenges they face. It serves as a powerful reminder that together we are stronger, and that our true wealth lies in one another. (Photo: Mykyta Shandyba)
The Christmas table, standing as a beacon of unity and support, offers a place for everyone, no matter the hardships or life’s challenges they face. It serves as a powerful reminder that together we are stronger, and that our true wealth lies in one another. (Photo: Mykyta Shandyba)
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Sometimes translated as "with the shield," the phrase is used by Ukrainians to honor someone who has died in battle.