The famous Christmas carol inspiring Ukraine's defenders

Carol of the Bells was written in Pokrovsk, a key target for advancing Russian troops in Ukraine.

British Broadcasting CorporationWatch LiveHomeNewsSportBusinessInnovationCultureArtsTravelEarthVideoLiveHomeNewsIsrael-Gaza WarWar in UkraineUS & CanadaUKUK PoliticsEnglandN. IrelandN. Ireland PoliticsScotlandScotland PoliticsWalesWales PoliticsAfricaAsiaChinaIndiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastIn PicturesBBC InDepthBBC VerifySportBusinessExecutive LoungeTechnology of BusinessFuture of BusinessInnovationTechnologyScience & HealthArtificial IntelligenceAI v the MindCultureFilm & TVMusicArt & DesignStyleBooksEntertainment NewsArtsArts in MotionTravelDestinationsAfricaAntarcticaAsiaAustralia and PacificCaribbean & BermudaCentral AmericaEuropeMiddle EastNorth AmericaSouth AmericaWorld’s TableCulture & ExperiencesAdventuresThe SpeciaListEarthNatural WondersWeather & ScienceClimate SolutionsSustainable BusinessGreen LivingVideoLiveLive NewsLive SportHomeNewsSportBusinessInnovationCultureArtsTravelEarthVideoLiveAudioWeatherNewslettersThe famous Christmas carol inspiring Ukraine's defendersWatch military band playing Shchedryk - also known as Carol of the Bells - using weapons as improvised instrumentsPokrovsk in eastern Ukraine is the birthplace of one of the world's favourite carols, the Carol of the Bells.

But there are few signs of Christmas in the city this year. Just a dusting of snow on deserted streets and skeletal buildings - and the constant sound of heavy shelling.

Pokrovsk is Russia's next target. Its troops are now less than two miles (three kilometres) from the city centre.

And it's not just buildings and homes that are being destroyed. Ukraine accuses Russia of trying to erase its cultural identity too – including its associations with that well-known carol.

Most of Pokrovsk's population has already fled. The gas supply's been turned off and many homes are without electricity and water. Those who remain, like 59-year-old Ihor, only break cover to find the bare essentials. He says it's like living on a powder keg – you never know when or where the next shell will land.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyxplxry93o

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