As Russia’s military threatens the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, the famous carol Shchedryk, known globally as the Carol of the Bells, serves as a symbol of cultural identity and resilience for its residents. Many have fled, but those remaining find comfort in the song, with military bands playing it in the trenches to lift spirits. Composer Mykola Leontovych’s legacy is honored even as the city’s heritage faces destruction, highlighting the contrast between cultural pride and the harsh realities of war.