Letter from a friend in Slavutych (unedited)

The town of bold hopes: how Slavutych lives during the war.

The war certainly changed the lifestyle of Slavutych residents, but the town continued to live. And every day residents thank the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the bold hope for the early Victory of Ukraine.

For the Christmas holidays, a photo zone was opened on the Central Square next to the Christmas tree. The town municipal services remove the snow, which this year is quite a lot, adding to the Christmas's mood.

Schools and kindergartens, shops and cafes, our Tourist Information Center and Town Cultural Cinema Centre continue to work. But as soon as the signal "Airborne alarm" sounds, life in the town seems to stop - everyone moves to shelters.

This winter has become a challenge for all of Ukraine, because russia, the terrorist state, constantly attacks the energy system and tries to leave Ukrainians without heat, water and light. Schedules implemented now in Slavutych - electricity appears for three hours, and then disappears for six hours.

In the spring, when Slavutych was occupied, there was no electricity in the town for 8 days. Recently, after one of the attacks, there was no electricity in the town for 9 hours. So, now we have experience and are prepared. If a complete blackout happens in the Slavutych agane, the «Points of steadfastness» will be open.

At these Points of steadfastness, residents can warm up, drink hot drinks, recharge gadgets, use the Internet or a first-aid kit. However, Slavutych still needs powerful generators and power banks, but the town hospital has all the necessary equipment.

We want to create better conditions for elderly people and children. After all, despite the war, our life continues.

Recently, a wonderful event took place - students of Painswick Croft school and students of Slavutych schools met online to talk about New Year and Christmas traditions of celebration in Ukraine and Great Britain. Children from Slavutych were happy to receive gifts from Painswick - it was a real surprise!

So, here in Ukraine, in Slavutych we maintain calmness, patience, and believe in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We thank the community of Painswick for your support and friendly cooperation. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Sincerely

Aryna