The mayor of Kyiv has vowed that Russian President Vladamir Putin will not be able to "steal our Christmas" as the war between the two nations drags on.

"No one is going to cancel the New Year and Christmas, and the atmosphere of the New Year should be there," Mayor Vitali Klitschko told the RBC-Ukraine news agency, according to Reuters. "We cannot allow Putin to steal our Christmas."

He said workers will put up Christmas trees around the city, though they will be without lights to conserve energy amid blackouts caused by Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.

Officials said that a 40-foot tree will be installed in Sofiyska Square in downtown Kyiv that will include light-up garland, which will be powered by a generator.

Klitschko said that large gatherings will still be banned in the city during the Holidays due to the ongoing threat of Russian attacks.

"We had many discussions about whether a Christmas tree is needed this year. Of course, those mass celebrations that took place before will not happen. The business turned to us with a proposal to put up a Christmas tree – not as big as usual – at their own expense. For example, last year's tree was 31 meters high, this year, it will be almost three times lower – 12 meters. It will be decorated with energy-saving garlands powered by a generator, which was also offered by patrons," Klitschko said on air of the Kyiv television channel, Interfax Ukraine reported.

Brian Thomas