This controversial Christmas tree made of gas masks with a bunker light bulb on top has been taken down by officials in a city reported blighted by air pollution.
The incident took place outside the Bunker Bar & Grill restaurant on Pochtovaya Street in the city of Ryazan in the western Russian region of Ryazan Oblast.
Many residents believed the Christmas tree was a statement about the poor air quality in the city which has reportedly led to the death of many birds.
However, the restaurant owner said the tree, which is made of gas masks and features a light bulb used in bunkers, was in keeping with the Bunker Bar & Grill’s theme.
According to local media, the tree was taken down less than 24 hours after being erected.
The official explanation stated that the tree was placed in a public area and the restaurant owners did not receive permission to erect it there.
The owner Aleksey Loshinin said the tree simply represented the restaurant’s overall theme and he did not intend to criticise the city’s air quality.
The local authorities, who considered the controversial Christmas tree as a work of art, said they will return it to the restaurant at the end of the month.
Netizen ‘ElenafrolovaKoroleva’ said: “What an incredible Christmas tree.”
‘Gugusinka1507’ commented: “Why not?!”
‘Egorcherepanov’ wrote: “I think it is amazing!”
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Story By: Anastasia Smirnova, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
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