Tim MakDec 30

Good morning to readers; #Kyiv remains in #Ukrainian hands.

This New Year’s Eve, Ukrainians are reclaiming Malanka and Vasyl.

The tradition lives on through street performances, with a goat that dies with the old year and revives with the new, played in the #Kyiv metro by Laima. https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/ukrainian-goat-carol-nye-traditions

Ukrainian goat carol NYE traditions

On New Year’s Eve, Ukrainians celebrate the day of Malanka and Vasyl, staging plays. Forgotten for decades, the tradition returns with a goat leading the way!

The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak
Show threadTim MakDec 30

For the past three years, Laima Daukshas has been a part of theatrical performances on the holidays of Malanka and Vasyl.

She plays the goat: the life of the party who wards off evil spirits and brings luck and prosperity to the audience.
#NewYear

Show threadTim MakDec 30
The day of Malanka, named after the pagan goddess of spring, marks the end of the year, while the day of her husband Vasyl starts it anew.
Show threadTim MakDec 30
The celebration itself takes place around New Year’s Eve but feels very much like Halloween. People dress up and visit their neighbors to wish them a happy new year, performing short plays along the way.
Show threadTim MakDec 30

While the tradition may seem playful, it was originally intended to honor deceased ancestors, ask for fertile ground and a successful marriage in the new year.

#ukraine #Zelensky

Show threadTim MakDec 30
Want to learn more about The Day of Malanka and its significance? Read the full story through the link https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/ukrainian-goat-carol-nye-traditions
Ukrainian goat carol NYE traditions

On New Year’s Eve, Ukrainians celebrate the day of Malanka and Vasyl, staging plays. Forgotten for decades, the tradition returns with a goat leading the way!

The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak
Show threadTim MakDec 30

#NEWS OF THE DAY:

#ZELENSKYY REITERATED THAT #UKRAINE CANNOT WITHDRAW FROM ITS TERRITORIES: He made the remarks after his meeting with Donald #Trump in Florida, adding that a 20-point draft of the revised peace plan to end the war is now almost complete. https://kyivindependent.com/we-cant-just-withdraw-from-our-territories-zelensky-says-following-his-meeting-with-trump/

'We can't just withdraw from our territories,' —Zelensky says following his meeting with Trump

Zelensky tells Fox News' Bret Baier that Ukraine has demonstrated concrete steps toward peace over the past month and raised the possibility of a referendum on the peace plan. At the same time, a referendum would not legitimize withdrawing from Ukrainian territory, given the current security realities.

The Kyiv Independent
Show threadTim MakDec 30
#BELARUS RELEASED A VIDEO DEPLOYING #RUSSIAN #NUCLEAR-CAPABLE HYPERSONIC ORESHNIK #missile SYSTEM: It may enhance Moscow’s ability to deliver missiles across Europe. https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/belarus-shows-off-deployment-russian-nuclear-capable-oreshnik-missiles-its-2025-12-30/
Show threadTim MakDec 30
#SECURITY GUARANTEES INCLUDE U.S. MILITARY PRESENCE IN #UKRAINE: For the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. included the deployment of American troops in Ukraine in security guarantees. https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-polytics/4075052-ssa-mozut-rozgornuti-vijska-v-ukraini-ak-element-garantij-bezpeki-tusk.html
США можуть розгорнути війська в Україні як елемент гарантій безпеки - Туск

Мир в Україні «вперше з’явився на горизонті» від початку повномасштабного вторгнення Росії в Україну. Ключовим результатом переговорів в останні дні є декларація США про гарантії безпеки, включно з розміщенням американських військ в Україні. — Укрінформ.

Укрінформ
Show threadTim Mak
KHARTIIA #DRONES BRING #CHRISTMAS JOY TO FRONTLINE SOLDIERS: A Khartiia Brigade drone crew came up with a creative way to lift spirits — using Vampire drones to deliver surprise gifts to their fellow soldiers.
Dec 30 at 2:38pmWeb
Show threadTim MakDec 30
Missed our latest story about the little things that keep the soldiers in the frontlines going? Read it via the link https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/the-little-things-that-keep-them
The little things that keep them going

We visited the troops of the Khartiia Brigade on Christmas Eve and found, as the Ukrainians say, it is a sin to complain.

The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak
Show threadTim MakDec 30
DOG OF WAR:
Viktoriia met this dog near the coffee shop a week ago. This little puppy was waiting for her owner when he was having a coffee. Then she joined him and jumped onto his legs.
Show threadTim MakDec 30
Think you’ve seen it all? Ukraine has more to tell.
Follow human-centered reporting that goes beyond the headlines.
Subscribe through the link https://www.counteroffensive.news
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Show threadtamaramilesscDec 30
@timkmak how precious!