Putin extends Christmas greetings to Russians
Russian President Vladimir Putin offered warm wishes to the people of Russia for Orthodox Christmas, a day marked by deep religious significance in the nation. The message came after he ordered a 36 hour unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine that concludes at midnight. In a Kremlin statement, the president highlighted shared values such as compassion, mercy, kindness and justice as central to the holiday season and to everyday life in Russia.
The address also underscored the importance of Christianity, especially the role of the Russian Orthodox Church, in fostering unity and solidarity across Russian society. Putin praised the support extended to personnel taking part in what Moscow refers to as special military operations in Ukraine and acknowledged the impact of their service on families and communities at home. He attended a midnight church service at Moscow’s Annunciation Cathedral, a prominent landmark on the Kremlin’s Cathedral Square, reinforcing the symbolic connection between faith and national service.
Historically, Putin had not attended a Christmas service in Moscow for many years, with the most recent prior visit dating back to 2001 at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, a major religious site that has long symbolized Russia’s spiritual and cultural heritage. The latest appearances and remarks reflect a continuity in his public expressions of religious observance and the nation’s holiday traditions, alongside ongoing security and political considerations shaping public messaging during this period.