Russian regions reject New Year decorations and fireworks to save money for war on Ukraine

Regions in Russia are refusing to hold fireworks and New Year's celebrations in order to save money for the war against Ukraine.

RFE/RL's Russian Service reports.

The mayor of the resort city of Sochi, Aleksey Kopaygorodsky, said the money earmarked for fireworks would be redirected to the Russian military. 

"This will be the best gift for our compatriots on the front line of the special military operation and their families," Kopaygorodsky wrote.

The mayor of Novorossiysk, Andrey Kravchenko, cancelled the New Year fireworks and plans to use the money saved to buy equipment for the frontline. The cities of Nalchik and Volzhskoye promised not to buy new decorations this year, but to rearrange the decorations from previous years.

Last year, Russia cancelled New Year's activities to save money for the Russian military. In particular, fireworks displays were cancelled in Moscow and St Petersburg.

In October, Russia approved an increase in military spending. About a third of the budget has been earmarked for the needs of the Russian army in 2024.