Putin personalizes war symbols amid Christmas attacks
The Russian dictator Vladimir Putin ordered his initials to be engraved on the links of chains for crosses that are to be given to participants in the invasion of Ukraine, including military unit commanders, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reported.
"I believe our comrades will feel honored to receive these symbols of faith, consecrated by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia during the Christmas Eve service," Peskov quoted the Russian leader.
Patriarch Kirill, at Putin's request and in his presence, conducted a ritual to consecrate the neck crosses and icons for Russian soldiers.
The Russian state media reported that the president visited the Cathedral of Christ the Savior to extend his Christmas wishes to Kirill for Orthodox Christmas.
Afterward, Putin went to the Church of St. George the Victorious on Poklonnaya Hill in Moscow, where he spent the holiday with participants in the war in Ukraine, their family members, and pro-Russian volunteers.
Massive Russian attack on Christmas
On the morning of December 25, on Christmas Day according to the Gregorian calendar, Russia conducted a missile and drone attack on Ukrainian energy facilities.
"Every massive Russian strike requires time for preparation. It is never a spontaneous decision. It is a deliberate choice – not only of targets but also of timing and date. Today, Putin deliberately chose Christmas for an attack. What could be more inhumane? Over 70 missiles, including ballistic ones, and more than a hundred attack drones. The targets are our energy infrastructure. They continue to fight for a blackout in Ukraine," said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the time.
