Russian President Vladimir Putin celebrated Christmas surrounded by families of participants and veterans of the fighting in Ukraine.
By tradition, the head of state visited a church on Christmas. This time, he celebrated this important holiday for all Christians in the church of the Great Martyr "George the Victorious" on Poklonnaya Hill in Moscow.
The head of state also visited the church of "Christ the Savior" to personally congratulate the Patriarch of Moscow and Russia Kirill. At Putin's request, the patriarch blessed crosses and icons for the Russian soldiers.
The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on January 7, as it uses the Julian calendar.