Ukrainians celebrate Shrovetide amid shadow of uncertainty

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Ukrainians celebrate Shrovetide amid shadow of uncertainty

2025-03-05 22:28 Last Updated At：03-06 15:27

As Ukrainians observed the traditional Shrovetide festival, the country's fragile security situation and uncertain future continued to overshadow celebrations.

Shrovetide, celebrated from Feb 24 to March 2 in Ukraine this year, is a traditional Slavic holiday marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, played host to vibrant Shrovetide celebrations, featuring festive gatherings and traditional events, during the winter nights.

However, beyond the festivities, Ukrainians are well aware that the shadow of war still hangs over them.

"Even being at this celebration is fighting because we are staying and we have alarms every night," said one participant.

On Feb 28, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a heated exchange at the White House, leading to the cancellation of an anticipated bilateral minerals agreement.

After the tense meeting, the Trump administration suspended the delivery of all U.S. military aid to Ukraine, blocking billions in crucial shipments. What the U.S. did has left many Ukrainians frustrated and angry.

"I am quite angry. It doesn't matter which country or which president - it's important to have some kind of politeness and respect because you have to show this level of diplomacy and everything," the participant added.

"Trump entered politics to enrich himself; to him, the country is just another business venture," said a Ukrainian soldier who had just returned from the frontline.

The festive moments of celebration intensified people's longing for ultimate peace and stable lives.

"Look at this festival, this beautiful tradition. A place full of joy. We need peace," said another Ukrainian.

Despite the celebrations, uncertainty persists, and the timeline for achieving peace in Ukraine remains unclear, with the country's future still largely beyond its control.

Russia, Ukraine report heavy fighting along front lines

Russia's Ministry of Defense said Tuesday that its forces struck 154 Ukrainian targets in the past 24 hours, while Ukraine's military reported 151 combat engagements along the front line during the same period.

In its daily briefing, the Russian defense ministry said its forces took control of the settlement of Novoplatonovka in the Kharkiv region in the past 24 hours.

The ministry said the strikes hit 154 targets, including facilities used to transport Western-supplied weapons, ammunition and fuel depots, as well as temporary deployment sites of Ukrainian forces and foreign mercenaries.

The ministry also said its forces destroyed Ukrainian armored vehicles, various types of artillery, military vehicles and drones.

On the same day, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said in a battlefield update that its air force, missile forces and artillery struck Russian troop concentrations, command posts and artillery systems.

Ukrainian forces said they repelled Russian attacks in the Pokrovsk, Kupyansk and Lyman directions, destroying Russian tanks, armored vehicles, artillery and tactical-level drones.