MOSCOW, Russia (AFP) — Russians are used to celebrating the New Year — the country's main holiday — with pomp, joy and high spirits.

But this was a year like no other.

After ten months of intense fighting and a chaotic mobilization, few are in the mood for grand celebrations.

While the streets of snowy Moscow are adorned with bright lights and decorations, they are also dotted with portraits of soldiers.

At the end of a year marked by deadly battles, including significant defeats, a question has arisen: is it appropriate to carry on with festivities as normal?

With little appetite for splashing out on parties as fighting rages, Moscow has cancelled the traditional fireworks show.

Muscovite Nadezhda Arkhipova supported the decision and said she hoped the costs would be redirected towards the army and the mobilized — "our defenders."

"Before all else our soldiers should not lack quality equipment," the 40-year-old told AFP.

Widespread reports of poorly dressed and under-prepared mobilized men has led to some anger in Russia.

On Red Square, a winter market is bustling with ferry rides and stalls loaded with sweet treats. A customary ice rink sits in the middle.

But President Vladimir Putin has called off his usual end-of-year Red Square ice hockey game.

He has also scrapped his New Year marathon press conference, a staple of his two-decade rule, leaving only his midnight message to be aired to Russians.