top of page

Bulgaria mints new coins as it prepares for switch to euro

Russians in central Moscow welcomed 2026 with hopes for peace and an end to the war in Ukraine, gathering near the Kremlin and Bolshoi Theatre despite no fireworks this year. The city remained lively with festive decorations as New Year’s Day approached.

January 1, 2026

BULGARIAN GOVERNMENT

Russians in central Moscow welcomed 2026 with hopes for peace and an end to the war in Ukraine, gathering near the Kremlin and Bolshoi Theatre despite no fireworks this year. The city remained lively with festive decorations as New Year’s Day approached.

With just hours remaining before 2026, many Russians visiting the landmarks of central Moscow on Wednesday (December 31) expressed their hopes that the new year would bring peace and an end to the war with neighboring Ukraine.


This New Year’s Eve, Moscow’s famous Red Square—a traditional site for celebrations—remained closed to visitors until the morning of January 1, while a heavy police presence was visible around the Kremlin.


Despite the restrictions, crowds gathered in front of the Kremlin walls and near the iconic Bolshoi Theatre, taking photos with the festive Christmas and New Year’s decorations.


New Year’s Day is Russia’s main seasonal holiday, while Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7.


There will be no fireworks in Moscow again this year, Russia’s biggest family holiday, but in nearly every other way, the capital remained as lively as during previous New Year celebrations.


—Reuters

bottom of page