Many years ago, Kamal el Akhdar arrived in Ukraine from Morocco to study at university. He fell in love with the country, and then with Maria, whom he married. The two started a family. "I went into the kitchen to make milk for the baby", Kamal says of the morning of November 19 - the day his life changed.
"Nothing in this world will bring them back"
At that moment, Russia attacked the city of Ternopil with missiles and drones - one of the deadliest attacks in western Ukraine since the beginning of the war. 38 people died. Among them were Kamal's wife and their two children. The man survived because he was in the next room. "One second changes your whole life. You look at them and the next second they are gone. It is terrifying to have the three most important people in your life disappear at the same time", he told German public broadcaster ARD.
Every day Kamal is at the cemetery with his wife's parents, Oleksandra and Mykhailo. The huge number of flowers on the graves of Maria and their two children demonstrate the strong sympathy of the people of the city for this family's tragedy. "I am grateful to everyone who is helping me cope with the loss", says Oleksandra. "But nothing in this world will bring back my grandchildren and my daughter."
Another Christmas filled with grief
For many families in Ukraine, this Christmas will be another one of mourning. Since 2022, more than 450 soldiers have been buried in the city of Ternopil alone, ARD writes. The front line is in the eastern part of the country - hundreds of kilometers from this place, which is much closer to the border with the European Union.
This year, Russia's aggressive war has dealt more and more serious blows to Ternopil. "After these attacks, it's hard to celebrate", says Hanna, who is preparing a Nativity scene for the Christmas decorations in the city center. "Despite everything, our family will get together for Christmas."
But the holiday spirit is hard to feel in the city. "There hasn't been a festive atmosphere for four years now," says Yulia, a young woman walking in the city park with her partner. "That's why I'm glad there won't be a Christmas tree this year."
The city's mayor, Serhiy Nadal, regrets that he had to make this decision, but believes it's the right one. In times of constant power outages and grieving families, it would be ridiculous to have a large Christmas tree with lights in the city center.
Ternopil has shown its character
For the people of Ternopil, compassion is more important than Christmas decorations. In recent weeks, many locals have been helping the victims of the Russian attack on November 19, who were in desperate need of it - bringing them food, water, clothes. "This tragedy has shown the character of Ternopil - people have united and forgotten about themselves to help others," says the city's mayor. "This is the true Christmas spirit."
Russia's war against Ukraine has shown Ukrainians for another year that the best thing they can do is enjoy every moment with their loved ones, ARD concludes.