Here, Russians and Ukrainians celebrate the New Year together

- We have received criticism from a number of quarters.

Many do not think it is appropriate to celebrate when the war is going on, others think it is pro-Russian to celebrate on January 14.

It is important for us to explore what this situation means for people, says Dimitrij Aleshkov, chairman of the Ukrainian-Russian association Slavic in Helsingborg.

"Understand each other a little better"

January 14 is the new year according to the Julian calendar, something that is celebrated in Russian-speaking countries, among others.

Dimitrij Aleshkov, who himself was born and raised in Ukraine, invited to the party to find out if people were ready to celebrate together.

Around 70-80 people with roots in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, among others, showed up.

- My hope is that there will be meetings where people begin to understand each other a little better, says Dimitrij Aleshkov.

Hear what Russian Irena and Ukrainian Olena think about celebrating a mixed New Year in the clip above.