In the besieged city of Pokrovsk, the Christmas carol ‘Shchedryk’, also known as ‘Carol of the Bells’, continues to inspire as Russian troops close in. Despite the destruction and displacement caused by the ongoing conflict, former residents and soldiers cling to the song’s significance, using it to uplift spirits and reinforce their identity. As military bands adapt the carol for performance using improvised instruments, its legacy as a symbol of hope and unity resonates deeply within the community, even amid the chaos of war.