During Christmas Eve, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with the families of service members who lost their lives in the special military operation, gathering at the Novo-Ogarevo residence near Moscow. The announcement was made by the president’s press secretary and reported by RIA News. The gathering highlighted a deep commitment to those who served and sacrificed, and it reflected the extended traditions of acknowledging military families during the holiday season. The event underscored the personal side of leadership, as the president listened to the experiences of bereaved spouses, the children left behind, and other relatives who share in the heavy toll of such deployments.
In the lead-up to the New Year, a program was organized that brought families who were invited as personal guests of the Russian leader to Moscow. They had opportunities to visit a range of exhibitions, festive shows, and other holiday events, illustrating a deliberate effort to provide moments of respite and festive engagement for those touched by military service. A Kremlin official added that on the evening of January 6, the children of those who lost their lives in the operation were given a brief tour of the stables and offered information about the horses residing there, blending elements of education, culture, and a gentle introduction to the military environment surrounding the residence.
It was noted that Putin engaged with the families in considerable detail, speaking with widows and children about their experiences, concerns, and hopes for the future. Following conversations of this kind, the president extended an invitation to a gala dinner, signaling a gesture of inclusion and respect for the families during a season traditionally associated with reflection and solidarity.
Peskov also stated that during the Christmas service, the head of the Northern Military District and the families of the fallen would attend a church service at the Church of the Savior Not Made with Hands, located within the Novo-Ogarevo residence grounds. The service served as a solemn gathering, combining religious observance with a public acknowledgment of military sacrifice in the context of the ongoing operation.
Earlier, Peskov reaffirmed that the stated goals of the special military operation, as outlined by Putin, have not changed, and that those aims remain to be pursued and achieved. The statements underscored a continuity of policy and resolve, while the outreach to families highlighted the personal dimension of political decisions and the human impact of the operation in the assessment of national priorities.
In public remarks, Putin conveyed what Russia asserts it is fighting for in the Northern Military District, emphasizing defense of national sovereignty and support for those serving in challenging conditions. The remarks and subsequent engagements reflect an approach that blends strategic objectives with direct engagement with military communities and their families, a pattern observed across periods of tension and transition in the country’s security posture.