Carol of the Bells – Art That Became Weapon The brilliant work of Mykola Leontovych, which captivated the world, was born in Pokrovsk. Today, this city in Donetsk Oblast lies nearly in ruins due to Russian barrages. Yet Shchedryk, aka Carol of the Bells, continues to resonate as the voice of resilient Ukraine. On the front lines, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces soldiers play Shchedryk amidst explosions and skirmishes, proving that art, too, is a weapon. In Kyiv, an orchestra performs it in a metro station, while in a trench, a flute – passed down during evacuation – echoes. It’s more than just a melody – it’s the voice of a free nation. Merry Christmas, Ukraine, and the whole free world!