On the eve of Orthodox Christmas, residents of Moscow share their thoughts ahead of a religious holiday which is celebrated this year against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing military operation in Ukraine. Many have the conflict in mind at a time when families usually come together. "At the moment, I am not in a festive mood" says Tatyana Zakharova, "my brother was mobilised in September. He has been on the front line for two months already". Another resident of the Russian capital, Olga, says she is "sad that there is military action. I am sad that children, women, the elderly -- who are innocent -- are the first to suffer." IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES