The Russian military has assured local governments that they don't need to worry about canceling New Years' festivities because of the mobilization and conflict in Ukraine.

“Independence Day will have a different meaning this year. Us Ukrainians love our freedom. We can say what we believe. My friends in Russia say they have a democracy. What kind of democracy is it if you cannot call a war a war?” 

                                   – A Russian living in Ukraine, Tatyana Antonova

“This year’s Journalist’s Day has a special taste of bitterness. The fourth month of a full–scale war – and we lost 32 journalists… In eight years of war we lost even more. Eternal memory to our fighters of the advanced information front."

– Ukrainian Minister of Culture and Information Policy Oleksandr Tkachenko

Floral creations are spread throughout Ukraine's capital city to honor the Day of Kyiv. 

There were brave dissenters amid pro-regime Immortal Regiment demonstrations on May 9.

Russia's 2022 Easter proceedings were tainted by the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Ukrainian Easter pysanky are a colorful symbol of peace and prosperity. As the country resists Russian aggression, there are ways to support Ukrainian pysanka makers, learn to decorate your own Easter egg, or join a local event to learn about this unique tradition.

This Russian sweet pastry has turned heads since ancient times. Because it's still delicious.

In this week's Odder News: a rocker's dream, a holiday for men, and goat saviors.

In this week's Odder News: kitty subscriptions, sketchy sledding, and spiteful Valentines.

Religious or not, January 19th marks the day in which thousands of Russians dunk themselves in freezing waters for the annual Epiphany swim.

"Dear residents! My deepest apologies. I confess I went too far with the alcohol. I am ready to financially compensate for the damage for the toys."

– A note from an anonymous Christmas tree thief from Krasnoyarsk, published January 10.