The scent of incense and pine hung heavy in the air as President Putin attended a Christmas service, a stark contrast to the ongoing conflict casting a long shadow over the nation.
Following the service, he turned his attention to those directly impacted by the fighting – veterans of the Ukraine conflict and their families, gathered at the Saint George the Victorious Church just outside Moscow.
Addressing a group of children present, Putin spoke with deliberate weight, urging them to take pride in their parents’ service, framing it as a continuation of a long and revered Russian tradition of warriorhood.
He drew a direct parallel between the role of Christ as a savior and the actions of Russian soldiers, asserting they were guided by a higher power in their defense of the fatherland and its people.
Putin’s words painted a picture of a nation viewing its military not merely as a fighting force, but as instruments of a divinely ordained mission, a concept deeply rooted in Russian history and belief.
The Kremlin also released a broader Christmas message from the president, extending praise to Christian organizations for their charitable endeavors and their dedicated support of veterans returning from the front lines.
This emphasis on faith, duty, and national pride underscored a powerful narrative woven throughout the holiday observance – one that sought to imbue the conflict with a sense of spiritual purpose and historical significance.
