Zelensky declares Ukraine 'will never surrender' in historic Congress speech

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed Ukraine would never surrender to Russia in his historic speech to US Congress on Wednesday night.

In an emotional and impassioned address, Mr Zelensky received thunderous standing ovations from lawmakers as he said that "against all odds" Ukraine still stands.

He pledged there would be "no compromises" from his country in trying to bring an end to the war.

"Ukraine holds its lines and will never surrender," Mr Zelensky said.

It is the Ukrainian leader's first trip outside of Ukraine since the war with Russia began.

Earlier at a press conference, Joe Biden told Mr Zelensky he would never "stand alone" and the US would support Ukraine "through 2023".

02:29 AM

Our live coverage has ended

Wednesday's live coverage has ended - we will be back in the morning. Here is a roundup of the day's main events:

• Volodymyr Zelensky made a historic address to US Congress in his first trip outside of Ukraine since the war began

• Mr Zelensky declared that Ukraine would "never surrender" to Russia in his emotional Congress speech

• Joe Biden told Mr Zelensky at a press conference he would never "stand alone" and the US would continue to support Ukraine "through 2023"

• Mr Biden said the coming $45bn of additional aid to Ukraine was vital

• Mr Zelensky gave Joe Biden a medal for bravery, which he said had come from a Ukrainian army captain in charge of a Himars unit

• Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev undertook a surprise trip to Beijing and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping

• Vladimir Putin gave his backing on Wednesday to a plan to boost the size of the armed forces by more than 30 per cent

• Russia is set to launch a new hypersonic missile that has “no equivalent in the world”,  Putin said on Wednesday

02:12 AM

US committed to supporting Ukraine for 'as long as it takes'

Joe Biden said it was "meaningful to speak in person" with Volodymyr Zelensky in a post shared on Twitter on Wednesday night.

"I told President Zelensky the United States is committed to supporting the Ukrainian people for as long as it takes," he said.

01:59 AM

In pictures: Zelensky's historic Congress address

01:27 AM

Zelensky receives thunderous applause as speech ends

Mr Zelensky's historic speech to Congress has come to an end.

Lawmakers gave the Ukrainian president another round of thunderous applause following the conclusion of his address.

01:23 AM

Zelensky gives Ukrainian battle flag to US Congress

Mr Zelensky gave a Ukrainian battle flag to US lawmakers following his speech to Congress.

The flag was from the frontline city of Bakhmut, which Mr Zelensky visited the day before leaving for the US.

01:16 AM

US aid for Ukraine is 'investment,' not 'charity'

The US providing aid to Ukraine is not charity but rather an investment in security, Mr Zelensky told lawmakers.

"Your money is not charity, it's an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way," he said.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi likened Mr Zelensky's address to Winston Churchill's Christmas-time visit in 1941 days after the Pearl Harbor attack.

Meanwhile, Mr Zelensky compared Ukrainian forces to Americans on the frontlines in World War II and the Revolutionary War, claiming that Russians "burn and destroy everything" in a way "similar to the other tyranny" of Hitler.

01:13 AM

Ukraine will make 'no compromises'

Mr Zelensky pledged there would be "no compromises" in trying to bring an end to the war and warned the stakes of the conflict were greater than just the fate of his nation.

"This battle cannot be ignored, hoping that the ocean or something else will provide protection," he said.

12:57 AM

Zelensky tells Congress: 'Ukraine is alive and will never surrender'

Beginning his speech, Mr Zelensky had a defiant message for Congress: "Ukraine is alive and kicking".

Mr Zelensky told lawmakers "against all odds" Ukraine still stands.

"Ukraine holds its lines and will never surrender," Mr Zelensky said.

12:46 AM

Emotional Zelensky touched by US support

Mr Zelensky was visibly emotional at the start of his historic speech to Congress.

The Ukrainian president received thunderous standing ovations as he spoke of his appreciation for the US and its support.

"It's too much for me, all of this for our great people, thanks," he said.

"It's a great privilege to be here."

12:37 AM

Zelensky: Ukraine’s victory will also be America’s victory

Following his joint press conference with Mr Biden earlier, Mr Zelensky on Twitter reiterated his appreciation for the support provided by the US.

"I am confident that together we will be able to secure a better, prosperous and free future for both of our nations," he posted on Twitter.

"Ukraine’s victory will also be America’s victory."

12:30 AM

Zelensky to address Congress soon

Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky is due to address Congress at 12.30am GMT.

We will bring you the latest updates as they happen.

12:15 AM

US hamstrung from giving Ukraine more offensive weapons

Joe Biden has suggested European allies are holding the United States back from giving Ukraine the type of weapons it wants.

Volodymyr Zelensky has pressed for more offensive, rather than defensive, military hardware, including long-range missiles.

But Mr Biden implied that he was hamstrung by the concerns of European allies who "don't want World War Three" with Russia.

Read the full story by Nick Allen here

11:41 PM

In pictures: Zelensky and Biden during White House press conference

11:21 PM

Key points from press conference

• Mr Biden said the coming $45bn of additional aid to Ukraine is vital

• Mr Zelensky explained Ukraine's defence capabilities would be bolstered in the coming months and the Patriot would "significantly" strengthen Ukraine's air defences

• Mr Biden said he was confident the Western alliance would remain united behind Ukraine and the US would continue to support Ukraine next year

• Mr Biden implied he was hamstrung by the concerns of European allies who "don't want World War Three" with Russia, when quizzed about providing Ukraine with more offensive weapons

10:42 PM

Zelensky and Biden's press conference ends

Mr Biden and Mr Zelensky's joint press conference has concluded.

Coming up next, Mr Zelensky is due to address Congress at 12.30am GMT.

We will bring you the latest updates then.

10:23 PM

'Just peace' means no compromises on integrity

A "just peace" ending Russia's war in Ukraine means making no compromises on the country's territorial integrity, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday in Washington.

"For me as a president, 'just peace' is no compromises as to the sovereignty, freedom and territorial integrity of my country; the payback for all the damages inflicted by Russian aggression," Zelensky said through a translator at a news conference alongside his US counterpart Joe Biden.

10:19 PM

Zelensky 'to his very soul is who he says he is'

Mr Biden said of Mr Zelensky: "This guy to his very soul is who he says he is. It's clear who he is, he's willing to give his life for his country."

He said Mr Putin was "going after women and children and orphanages...this guy is...but he's going to fail."

10:17 PM

Biden 'not worried' about alliance

US President Joe Biden said he was confident the Western alliance would remain united behind Ukraine.

"I'm not at all worried about holding the alliance," Biden told reporters after a meeting at the White House with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.

"I feel very good about solidarity and support for Ukraine," Biden said.

10:16 PM

War was 'imposed on us'

Through a translator Mr Zelensky said: "The longer the war lasts there will be more parents who live for the sake of vengeance, for revenge.

"There can't be any just peace in a war that was imposed on us by...these inhumans, I would say."

10:14 PM

We are 'united'

Mr Biden talks of the significance of the Zelensky visit.

"It's very important for Putin to see President Zelensky and I united together, to make sure he can not succeed."

10:12 PM

Putin thought he could 'break Nato'

Mr Biden says Putin thought "he could break Nato, the West and the alliance", adding "he was wrong, wrong and wrong".

10:10 PM

Zelensky's one message

Mr Zelensky said in English: "My message - I wish you peace."

10:10 PM

'I am here to fight for freedom'

Mr Zelesnky said: "I am here to fight for our freedom and independence. "We need to survive this winter, we need to protect our people. This is a key survival issue."

10:07 PM

'I hope you see your children able to go to university', says Zelensky

Speaking in English, the Ukrainian president says his message to the American people is that they "have the same values". He says he wishes everyone in the country will see their children alive and able to grow up and go to university.

Ukraine and America are fighting for a "common victory" against tyranny, he says.

10:04 PM

Patriot will be 'significant' addition for Ukraine

Mr Zelensky says Ukraine's defence capabilities will be strengthened in the coming months and, while he cannot be specific about all the support, it will be vital in fending off the Russians.

The Patriot will 'significantly' strengthen Ukraine's air defences.

10:01 PM

'Thank you for the support', says Zelensky

The Ukrainian president has taken over from Mr Biden.

He says he believes that 'regardless of the changeover' in Congress, where Republicans have taken control of the House, support for his country will continue.

09:56 PM

Patriot air defence training will take 'some time'

Joe Biden says that it may take a while before the newly announced deliveries of top end air-defence systems can protect Ukraine's infrastructure.

09:53 PM

'Putin has no intention of stopping this war', says US president

Joe Biden thanks Congress for continuing to support Ukraine and says the coming $45bn of additional aid is vital, as Russia will fight for a long time yet.

That will include new capabilities, such as precision aerial munitions, that he says are crucial for the war.

09:49 PM

Biden says Americans feel in their 'bones' the importance of this fight

The American people 'stand up to bullies' and 'stand up for freedom', Mr Biden says.

He says it is important for the public to hear directly from Mr Zelensky themselves.

09:46 PM

Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelensky arrive for press conference

The two world leaders have entered the briefing room and Mr Biden is beginning to speak

09:25 PM

Pomp and persuasion as Ukraine's Zelensky prepares to address Congress

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will be greeted with pomp and applause when he enters the US Capitol to address a joint meeting of Congress.

But it will be up to him to persuade lawmakers to keep funding his country's defense against Russia.

Mr Zelensky's speech must resonate with a bipartisan audience of senators and House Republicans, who have voiced increasing skepticism at continuing to spend tens of billions of dollars on Ukraine.

Mr Zelensky will join a long list of world leaders to address a joint meeting of the Senate and House of Representatives, a tradition that began in 1874 with a visit by Hawaiian King Kalakaua, included wartime visits by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Afghanistan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, as well as kings, queens and one pope.

His timing is well orchestrated, as Congress is on the verge of approving an additional $44.9 billion in new emergency military and economic assistance, on top of some $50 billion already sent to Ukraine.

09:08 PM

Russian parliament backs long jail terms for 'saboteurs'

Russian politicians have approved new legislation that could see "saboteurs" handed long jail terms, after several explosions at military and industrial sites, some of them blamed on Ukraine.

Moscow this year has introduced a raft of legislative action to quash any perceived threats at home against the Kremlin's nearly 10-month intervention in Ukraine.

The lower house of parliament said in a statement that lawmakers had approved in its third and final reading a package of measures aimed at "protecting our country and citizens from terrorist and sabotage threats".

"The punishment for saboteurs will be as severe as possible," Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said in a statement.

The law, which will need to be approved by the upper house of parliament and signed by President Vladimir Putin, envisages life imprisonment for involvement in sabotage activities, financing them or recruiting others to participate.

"Training in acts of sabotage and the creation of any kind of criminal group with the aim of committing sabotage will become criminally punishable," the statement added.

Anyone found to have joined a sabotage group can be jailed for us to 10 years, while people who are found to have been complicit in terror or sabotage incidents face a maximum prison term of two decades.

08:45 PM

Putin expands army size by 500,000 and promises military 'everything it needs'

Vladimir Putin vowed there would be no limits to Russian military spending as he approved a massive increase to the size of the army, writes our Russia Correspondent, Nataliya Vasilyeva.

In a televised meeting with the country’s top brass on Wednesday, Mr Putin pledged to give the army “everything it is asking for” to win in Ukraine, where Russian troops are increasingly bogged down in deadly attritional fighting in the country’s east.

The Russian president vowed to carry on with the invasion until the Kremlin’s “goals” in the war are achieved, giving his approval to a proposal to add 500,000 troops to Russia’s army.

Read the rest of Nataliya's report here.

08:18 PM

Biden: 'The Ukrainian people continue to inspire the world'

Volodymyr Zelensky hailed US support and received promises of more, including new missile defense systems.

Zelensky kept his trademark military fatigues rather than switching to a suit as President Joe Biden rolled out the red carpet, affectionately putting his hand over the wartime leader's shoulder outside the White House.

"We're going to continue to strengthen Ukraine's ability to defend itself, particularly air defense," Mr Biden told Mr Zelensky as they sat by the fireplace in the Oval Office.

Vladimir Putin is "trying to use winter as a weapon, but the Ukrainian people continue to inspire the world," Mr Biden said.

"I mean that sincerely - not just inspire us but inspire the world with their courage and how they have chosen their resilience and resolve for their future," Mr Biden said.

Mr Zelensky - whose media savvy and rugged demeanor have helped him rally the world to Ukraine's cause - will later deliver an address to Congress, which is finalizing a new $45 billion package for Ukraine heading into the new year.

07:58 PM

Zelensky and Biden at the White House, in pictures

07:43 PM

Zelensky presents Biden with bravery medal from Himars captain

Volodymyr Zelensky has given Joe Biden a medal for bravery, which he said had come from a Ukrainian army captain in charge of a Himars unit.

The US president pumped his fist as Mr Zelensky revealed the link to the US-supplied rocket artillery, which has been instrumental in helping Ukraine recapture territory from Russia.

The Ukrainian captain wanted to pass on the bravery medal he received to Mr Biden, the Ukrainian leader said.

"He asked me to pass [on] his award to President Biden. He is the captain of a Himars battery."

Mr Biden accepted the medal, saying it was "undeserved but much appreciated".

07:33 PM

Zelensky: 'It's a great honour to be here'

After being welcomed to the White House, Volodymyr Zelensky told Joe Biden: "Thank you, first of all. It's a great honor to be here."

Speaking in the oval office, he thanked the US President, Congress and the "ordinary people" of America for their support.

06:47 PM

Denmark donates £36 million in military aid to Ukraine

Denmark will donate 300 million Danish crowns (£35 million) in military aid to Ukraine, the country's Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.

The money will be donated via the UK-led International Fund for Ukraine used to provide military equipment and other support to Ukraine's armed forces.

06:36 PM

Zelensky in the US to 'thank the American people' for their support

Volodymyr Zelensky has said he intends to thank the US for the support it has given Ukraine in resisting Russia's invasion.

"I am in Washington today to thank the American people, the President and the Congress for their much-needed support," he said in a message to his Telegram followers.

"I will hold a series of negotiations to strengthen the resilience and defence capabilities of Ukraine," he said.

06:12 PM

Washington prepares to welcome Zelensky, in pictures

05:58 PM

US names first woman ambassador to Russia

The US Senate has backed the confirmation of Lynne Tracy as President Joe Biden's nominee to be ambassador to Russia, hours before Volodymyr Zelensky was to address Congress.

Ms Tracy was confirmed by an overwhelming 93-2. The two no votes came from Republican Senators Rand Paul and Mike Lee.

A career diplomat and current ambassador to Armenia, Ms Tracy will be the first woman to serve as US ambassador to Russia. A Russian speaker, she previously served as deputy chief of mission in Moscow from 2014 to 2017

"The United States needs an ambassador to represent us in Moscow," said Senator Bob Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Mr Biden announced Tracy's nomination in September, weeks after the departure of John Sullivan, who had been appointed by Donald Trump and was ambassador as Russia’s invasion began.

05:46 PM

Zelensky lands in Washington

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, has landed in Washington ahead of a meeting with Joe Biden and a speech to Congress.

It is the first time Mr Zelensky has left Ukraine since the war began more than 300 days ago.

The Ukrainian President is believed to have landed at Andrews Air Force Base, just outside of the US capital.

02:45 PM

Russia to launch new hypersonic missile

Russia is set to launch a new hypersonic missile that has “no equivalent in the world”, Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.

The Russian leader said the new Zircon hypersonic cruise missile, which has been described as part of a new generation of unrivalled arms systems, will be available for use by January.

"In early January, the Admiral Gorshkov frigate will be equipped with the new Zircon hypersonic missile, which has no equivalent in the world," Putin said during a televised meeting with his country's high-ranking officers.

02:29 PM

Russia proposes 30 per cent increase in size of armed forces

Vladimir Putin gave his backing on Wednesday to a plan to boost the size of the armed forces by more than 30 per cent as he said Moscow needed to learn from and fix the problems it had suffered in Ukraine.

At an end-of-year conference of Russia's top military brass, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu proposed beefing up the armed forces to 1.5 million combat personnel from 1.15 million.

This was required "to guarantee the solving of problems related to Russia's military security", Shoigu told Putin at the televised event. He said 695,000 of the fighters should be professional contracted soldiers - as opposed to conscripts serving mandatory military service.

Putin had signed a decree only this summer ordering troop numbers to be increased by 137,000 from Jan. 1 2023 to reach the 1.15 million level, and has also drafted more than 300,000 reservists in a controversial mobilisation drive to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

02:12 PM

Russia to continue improving combat readiness of nuclear forces

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Russia will continue developing its military potential and the combat readiness of nuclear forces against the backdrop of Moscow's offensive in Western-backed Ukraine.

"The armed forces and combat capabilities of our armed forces are increasing constantly and every day. And this process, of course, we will build up on," Putin said at a televised defence meeting, adding that Russia will also "improve the combat readiness of our nuclear triad".

01:51 PM

Biden 'thrilled' at Zelensky visit

US President Joe Biden has said he is "thrilled" to have Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky travelling to Washington to meet with him.

"I hope you’re having a good flight, Volodymyr. I’m thrilled to have you here. Much to discuss," he wrote on Twitter.

01:28 PM

Putin says Russian defence ministry should listen to critics on Ukraine progress

President Vladimir Putin said Russia's defence ministry needed to take on board criticism of its actions during what he called Moscow's "special military operation" in Ukraine and that a recent mobilisation drive had highlighted certain problems.

Putin made the comments in an end-of-year speech to top military leaders.

01:06 PM

Zelensky leaves Ukraine

President Volodymyr Zelensky has left Ukraine for the first time since the war began 301 days ago.

Mr Zelensky could be seen travelling outside of Przemyśl train station in Poland alongside Bridget Brink, the US ambassador to Ukraine.

12:54 PM

Putin says no limit on financial support for Russia's armed forces

Russian President Vladimir Putin promised on Wednesday to give his armed forces anything they asked for to support the military campaign in Ukraine.

In a speech to defence chiefs in Moscow, Putin said there were no financial limits on what the government would provide its military.

He also said Russia needed to take special note of the importance of drones in the 10-month conflict and said Russia's hypersonic Sarmat missile - dubbed "Satan II" would be ready for deployment in the near future.

12:35 PM

Putin hails Russian 'heroes'

Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed Russia would fulfil all the goals of its military campaign in Ukraine as he heralded Russian soldiers and defence chiefs as "heroes" in a speech in Moscow.

Speaking at an end-of-year meeting of Russia's top defence chiefs, Putin said the Nato military alliance was using its full capabilities against Russia and urged the assembled military leaders to use their experience gained fighting in Syria and during the 10 months of what Moscow calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine.

11:57 AM

Avdiivka left in ruins

The town of Avdiivka in Donetsk region has largely become a ghost town, as nearly all residents have evacuated.

Heavy fighting continues on the southern edge of the city and constant shelling by Russian forces has left no building untouched.

A large swath of Donetsk region has been held by Russian-backed separatists since 2014. and the Kremlin has tried to expand its control here since its invasion.

11:45 AM

'Weapons, weapons and more weapons'

Ukrainian political adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said President Volodymyr Zelensky's US visit offers him the opportunity to explain what weapons Kyiv needs.

"...Weapons, weapons and more weapons. It is important to personally explain why we need certain types of weapons," Mr Podolyak said. "In particular, armoured vehicles, the latest missile defence systems and long-range missiles."

President Joe Biden will announce nearly $2 billion in further military assistance for Ukraine that will include a Patriot missile battery to help it defend itself against barrages of Russian missiles, a senior US official said.

"This finally puts an end to the attempts by the Russian side... to prove an allegedly growing cooling in our bilateral relations," Mr Podolyak told Reuters.

"This, of course, is not even close. The United States unequivocally supports Ukraine."

11:23 AM

Zelensky's US trip is 'extremely significant'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's "extremely significant" visit to the United States on Wednesday will disprove Russian attempts to show that US-Ukrainian relations are cooling, a presidential adviser said.

Political adviser Mykhailo Podolyak told Reuters in written comments that MR Zelensky's trip, including talks with President Joe Biden, provided an opportunity to explain the real situation in Ukraine, what weapons Kyiv needs to fight Russia, and why it needs them.

He said:

10:47 AM

Kremlin says no chance of Ukraine talks as Zelensky travels to Washington

The Kremlin said that nothing good would come from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's trip to Washington on Wednesday and that Russia saw no chance of peace talks with Kyiv.

In a call with reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that continued Western arms supplies to Ukraine would lead to a "deepening" of the conflict - something which could backfire on Kyiv, he warned.

"The supply of weapons continues and the range of supplied weapons is expanding. All of this, of course, leads to an aggravation of the conflict. This does not bode well for Ukraine," Peskov said.

Mr Zelensky was due to meet U.S. President Joe Biden and Congressional leaders on Wednesday in his first foreign trip since Moscow sent tens of thousands of troops into his country on Feb. 24.

Asked whether Moscow had any expectations that something positive could come from Mr Zelensky's trip, Peskov answered: "No".

10:20 AM

From the frontline

A local resident Oleksandra Koshkina, 85, sits in a car as she heads back to her village of Torske near the frontline in the Donetsk region, Ukraine.

09:51 AM

EU not conducting fair investigation into Nord Stream explosions, Lavrov claims

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday it appeared no European countries were conducting a proper investigation into the series of explosions that ruptured the Nord Stream gas pipelines in September.

"After the explosions on Nord Stream - which, it appears nobody in the European Union is going to objectively investigate - Russia stopped gas transportation through the northern routes," Lavrov said on Wednesday.

Russia has blamed Britain for the explosions - claims rejected by London - while investigators in Sweden and Denmark said they were the deliberate results of sabotage, though did not name any possible culprits.

09:12 AM

Russia's Medvedev meets China's Xi in Beijing

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev has undertaken a surprise trip to Beijing and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during which he said they discussed the Ukraine conflict.

Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, posted a video on his Telegram channel showing him meeting Xi, smiling for photos and a meeting between Chinese and Russian officials.

Medvedev said he and Xi had discussed the two countries' "no limits" strategic partnership, as well as Ukraine. He did not provide further details.

"We discussed cooperation between the two ruling parties of China and Russia ... bilateral cooperation within our strategic partnership, including on the economy and industrial production. We also discussed international issues - including, of course, the conflict in Ukraine," Medvedev said.

"The talks were useful," he added.

08:45 AM

Zelensky-Biden meeting planned for days

President Volodymyr Zelensky and Joe Biden first began discussing a potential visit during a phone call on Dec 11, a senior official told the Guardian.

The White House then formally extended an invitation last Wednesday, which Mr Zelensky accepted on Friday before the visit was confirmed on Sunday.

The senior administration official said:

08:11 AM

Ukrainian soliders patrol Avdiivka

Members of the Ukrainian 110 Separate Mechanised Brigade move through a destroyed building while on patrol in Avdiivka in Donetsk.

07:46 AM

Pelosi pens letter to Zelensky

Nancy Pelosi, the US House Speaker, published an open letter to President Volodymyr Zelensky to invite him to address Congress in person on Wednesday.

She wrote:

07:23 AM

Welcome to today's live coverage

Hello and welcome to today's live coverage of the war in Ukraine. The biggest stories are:

• On Tuesday, President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that conditions in Russian-held areas of Ukraine were "extremely difficult" and ordered the strengthening of Russia's borders.

• Zelensky paid a surprise visit to the frontline city of Bakhmut, where he hailed the "superhuman" troops waging a battle that has come to symbolise the grinding brutality of the war.

• Electricity supplies in the Kyiv region were at a "critical" level, with less than half the capital's power needs being supplied following Russian missile and drone attacks, regional officials said.

• Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said Ukraine should prepare for new Russian attacks on its energy grid because Moscow wanted Ukrainians to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays in darkness.