Ukraine concerts light up dark times

As Christmas lights light up cities around the world, Ukraine's lights are out. Russia has been targeting missiles at Ukraine's power plants. This has resulted in many Ukrainian cities experiencing frequent black outs.

However, in Kyiv, concert halls are being lit up with LED candles and live music.

Concert administrator Irina Mikolaenko thinks these shows are a light in Ukraine's dark times.

Irina Mikolaenko: "Now during the time of blackouts, during constant attacks on our power grid, we thought it was a good idea to save energy and give concerts in a good atmosphere. We want to bring inspiration, light and love to people in such a difficult situation and tell people that we are not defeated."

Authorities are working hard to reconnect Ukraine's water and energy. However, there's worry about people's health over the winter and fears that more people will escape the country.

Artist Yuriy Solukha believes the live shows will spread some joy.

Yuriy Solukha: "It's a good idea, there's a lot of air sirens and a lot of internal anxiety in people right now. Calm is very important now, because people have a lot of worries about the war, about their loved ones who are in the east of the country, about our military who are defending our country."

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reported that energy suppliers have enough power to cover 70 percent of the country's needs. But to save energy, regular power cuts are to be expected. Residents can download a special app which warns them when and where there'll be power cuts. There are also 5,000 'invincibility centres' opened to people. Here, they can charge their devices, find an internet connection and get warm. However, a lot more are needed for a country of 40 million people.

The live concerts help people come together and keep warm when there's no electricity for televisions, radios or data networks. For concert goers, these shows are their way of showing strength.

Yuriy Solukha: "We hope there will be no air-raid sirens during the concert, but when our enemy launches rockets during our concert of course we ask the audience to take cover and we stop the concert. After the air-raid sirens have been silenced, we resume our concert, if the curfew permits."

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