The president met with Ukraine conflict veterans during a Christmas service
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks to veterans and their families after a Christmas service in Solnechnogorsk, Russia on January 7, 2025. © Vyacheslav Prokofyev / Sputnik
Russia treats its soldiers as warriors on a holy mission from God, President Vladimir Putin said after attending a Christmas service on Wednesday.
The president met with veterans of the Ukraine conflict and their families at the Saint George the Victorious Church outside Moscow.
“You should be rightfully proud of your fathers and your mothers, as the Russian people have always been proud of their warriors,” Putin told a group of children.
“We often call the Lord the Savior because he came to earth to save all people. It is the same with our warriors, because they are always, under the direction of the Lord, on a mission to defend the fatherland and its people,” he added.
“At all times, Russia has viewed its warriors as carrying out a holy mission under the direction of the Lord,” Putin said.
In a Christmas message released by the Kremlin, Putin also praised Christian organizations for their charity work and for supporting veterans.