The famous Christmas carol that inspired the defenders of Ukraine

Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine is the birthplace of one of the world’s favorite carols.

But there are fewer signs of Christmas in the city this year. Just a dusting of snow on deserted streets and dilapidated buildings – and the constant sound of heavy gunfire.

Russia’s next target is Pokrovsk. Its troops are now less than two miles (three kilometers) from the city center.

And it’s not just buildings and homes that are being destroyed. Ukraine has also accused Russia of trying to erase its cultural identity – including its association with that famous carol.

Most of the population of Pokrovsk has already fled. Gas supply has been cut off and many homes are without electricity and water. Those who survived, like 59-year-old Ihor, dismantled the roof only to find essential items. They say it’s like living on a powder keg – you never know when or where the next shell will land.

Oksana, 43, says she is too afraid to leave her home, but during the shelling she goes out to find wood and coal to stay warm.

She tells me she hopes the Armed Forces of Ukraine can capture the city, but she thinks it’s unlikely. Pokrovsk will probably fall, she says.

The city has already prepared for the worst. The statue of its famous composer Mykola Leontovich has already been removed. The music school that bore his name is now closed and vacant.

Leontovik may not be very well known in the West. But the tune he created is familiar the world over – because of its chime-like notes. It is believed that Leontovych wrote the initial scores of the composition, based on the Ukrainian folk chant, while he was living and working in Pokrovsk between 1904 and 1908.

In Ukraine it is known as ShchedrykAfter American composer Peter Wilhousky wrote English lyrics for the song, it became known as Carol of the Bells in much of the world. The use of this tune in the Hollywood film Home Alone helped increase its popularity.

Victoria Ametova calls it “a masterpiece – Pokrovsk’s signature song”. She also, until recently, taught music in the city, at the school named after Leontovich.

She has now moved to the relative safety of Dnipro. This is where many former residents of Pokrovsk are still trying to keep alive the memories of their former home.

Beneath Leontovich’s saved portrait, Victoria sees 13-year-old Anna Hasich playing the familiar notes of the carol on the piano.

The Hasich family fled Pokrovsk this summer. But they are determined not to forget the place they still call home. Anna’s mother, Yulia, says she enjoys watching her daughters practice Shedrick. “We will not forget the history of our city,” she says.

For Anna, the tune brings back memories. She says, “When I played it at home it sounded happy. It reminded me of winter and Christmas.” “Now it’s become a sad song for me because it reminds me of home, and I really want to go back.”

But for a Ukrainian military band, Shedrick has become an anthem to inspire resistance. They’re even playing it in the trenches – using weapons as improvised tools.

They may be musicians, but their commander reminds me that they are soldiers first. All have spent time on the front lines. The head of the band and its conductor, Colonel Bohdan Zadorozhny, says that the song helps boost the morale of the soldiers. “Those beats and rhythms cheer up the people on the front lines and inspire them to fight,” he says.

The 22-year-old Roman uses a rocket launcher casing filled with rice to shake vigorously along with the music. Shedrick says, “It’s our country’s pride, it’s our freedom, it’s in our souls, this song gives me goosebumps”.

Colonel Zadorozhny says that Shchedryk shows that Ukraine is a civilized nation, which is now at war, fighting for its identity.

Pokrovsk may fall into Russian hands. But the people here are making every possible effort to preserve their culture and identity.

The director of the History Museum of Pokrovsk, Angelina Rozhkova, has already rescued and transferred to safety most of its prized possessions – including artefacts from Leontovich’s life in Pokrovsk.

Russia doesn’t just want to take Ukrainian territory – “it wants to destroy our culture and everything that is precious to us,” she says.

Angelina says that the people of Pokrovsk understand that they can never go back, “but our hearts and souls do not accept it”. Therefore they are making every possible effort to preserve the past. The new motto is “Keeping and saving equals winning”.

It’s hard to say you’re winning when your city is being destroyed. But its people, like Leontovich’s music, are displaying extraordinary resilience.

Leontovich’s life ended suddenly in 1921 when he was shot by a Soviet agent. His creation became a symbol of Ukraine’s fight for independence. It is still there.

Additional reporting by Hannah Chornus and Anastasia Levchenko