Ucraïna pesa molt a Moscou a mesura que s'acosten les vacances d'Any Nou

Moscow's Christmas markets are bustling and gleaming ice sculptures greet tourists to Gorky Park. But some Muscovites confess that they struggle to feel festive in the lead up to New Year celebrations.

Some people in central London said that they noticed a shortage of Western goods as they shop for gifts and food.

Maria, a woman from Maria answered without hesitation when she was asked if the conflict of 10 months in Ukraine was affecting how she felt.

"Directly. Yes. It's difficult to remain positive when you realize that so many people are going through such terrible times," she said on a recent visit to Gorky park.

She added: "To be truthful with you, there's always hope that things will get better, but it seems like they won't get any better," with a rueful smile.

Ivan, a nearby man, mentioned the conflict obliquely but stated that he would still celebrate.

"A holiday is a holiday. Although some of our comrades may be doing things I would prefer they wouldn't, this holiday is still for children and grandparents." He said that it should continue to be so.

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Russia's most important seasonal holiday is New Year's Day, but Orthodox Christians also celebrate Christmas on 7 January.

Reminders of the Ukraine conflict this year are unavoidable. Near the park's entrance, the brightly lit Latin letters Z and V are illuminated.

A pavilion was set up on Red Square for people to give gifts or humanitarian aid to troops. Outside, there is upbeat Soviet-era music.

Some respondents said that their season shopping was made more difficult by Western sanctions against Russia. This is in response to President Vladimir Putin's "special military operation" in Ukraine.

Vladislav Pukharev is the owner of a marketplace selling New Year's fir trees that people can decorate their homes with. He said that prices have risen because trees are harder to source and more costly to deliver.

"People have started to spend less. They are now buying smaller trees than they did last year." He said that they still buy natural trees.

Evgeniya, a jeweller, said that her sales at a seasonal marketplace had risen sharply from last year.

Natalia, a pensioner, said that "50%" of the goods had disappeared from shelves outside a supermarket. When asked to describe her mood, Natalia said: "Absolutely terrible." It's something that everyone shares.

Matvey, a student, said that he missed Western brands and had therefore spent less money on clothes this year. Matvey said that one of his friends was drafted into the military, and sent to Crimea in 2014 by Russia.

He said that he felt somewhat empty when the conflict began. It was hard to comprehend. It was hard to accept, but I eventually did.

Natalia, a young woman, stated that she noticed fewer cheeses and couldn't find her favorite Portuguese wine.

Leonid, her father interrupted her and said: "Oh my God! There are many bottles of Crimean wine. It is very good. Russian wine.

Many of the people interviewed stated that they would attempt to celebrate the New Year the same way as before, even though it was hard.

"Even though it's not something I want to celebrate, it should still be celebrated. We must give gifts." Ekaterina, a researcher, said that she believes we must fight the feeling of uncertainty.

Moscow resident Daniela Khazova said that she felt "complex" at the tree market.

"The holiday is almost no longer a holiday. But I want to be with my close ones now."

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