Putin's Christmas with SMO KIAs Families

And at dinner.

It appears a few of the guests could use a pillow or two to sit on at the table. This year Putin is spending the week after New Year and then Christmas at the Government dacha at Novo-Ogaryovo that’s located near Moscow, a place that saw little use until Putin became president in 2000 and had it refurbished. The meeting’s short transcript doesn’t provide all the interaction shown on the 30-minute video. Here’s what it provides, with the Kremlin’s intro first:

The participants of the meeting shared, in particular, their impressions of visiting the stable located on the territory of the Presidential residence near Moscow, where they visited earlier that day. A special holiday program in Moscow is also organized for them during the January holidays.

After a detailed conversation, Vladimir Putin invited the families of the heroes of the SVO to a festive dinner. Later, they attended a Christmas service together in the Church of the Saviour of the Image Not Made with Hands.

And now Putin:

Vladimir Putin: Good evening!

First of all, I would like to welcome you all, and we will meet again before Christmas. We have already met some of you, met with you, and agreed that we will see you again. As agreed, so we do with you.

Christmas is one of the warmest [holidays]. Just as in Russia, the New Year is celebrated, and Christmas is celebrated as a family holiday. Maybe it's even more family-friendly than New Year's Eve. It is, I repeat, warm, very soft, heartfelt, and one of the most beloved holidays in Russia.

On this day, I want to say something kind to each other, somehow support each other. Both Orthodox Christians, which is the majority of the Russian population, and representatives of our other confessions – our traditional, fraternal confessions – congratulate Orthodox Christians. Just as Christians congratulate their brothers-representatives of other religions - on the days of their holidays.

Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say that this holiday is characterized by a pronounced fraternal unity of the peoples of Russia. I congratulate you all on this warm and heartfelt holiday.

In this regard, I would like to note that, as you know, many of our men, our brave and heroic guys, soldiers of Russia, are still defending the interests of our country with weapons in their hands on this holiday. So, first of all, I would like us to congratulate everyone from here on this holiday.

Secondly, I would like our meeting to send a clear and understandable message to all my colleagues throughout the Russian Federation, and at all levels-a clear signal that my colleagues, I repeat, at all levels of government and administration, should always be close to you, and that you should always feel that you are not alone. there are people around you who can support you, help you, or come to your aid if you need it. And life is complex, diverse – there are always cases, they often arise when you need support from outside. I hope so.

I congratulate you all once again and wish you all the best.

Now I will not talk about very subtle, difficult, maybe even things on the eve of the holiday that concern your families. But I want to assure you once again that we will always be there for you.

I would like to ask my father to say a few words about today's event. You are welcome. [My Emphasis]

Here’s Putin’s “Father”:

After the discussion, Putin and guests all went to the local Orthodox church for midnight services, Church of the Savior of the Image Not-Made-by-Hands in Novo-Ogaryovo.

Here’s one photo of the assemblage:

And here’s Putin’s short Christmas message:

To Orthodox Christians, to All Citizens of Russia Celebrating the Nativity of Christ

I wish you a Merry Christmas!

One of the most beloved and long-awaited Christian holidays unites millions of people around the ideals of kindness, mercy and justice. These unshakable values play a special role in the history of our country and have served as a reliable spiritual and moral pillar of society for centuries.

It is important that the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations in Russia make a huge inspiring contribution to preserving our rich historical and cultural heritage, strengthening the institution of the family, and patriotic education of the younger generation. And of course, the efforts of religious organizations aimed at supporting our heroes – participants of the special military operation, residents of Donbass and Novorossiya-deserve deep and sincere respect.

I wish Orthodox Christians, all those who celebrate Christmas, health, success and prosperity.

Putin made a very direct, very distinct message to government in all its manifestations throughout Russia that soldiers aren’t the only ones deserving honor, but that those who lost family, most often father/husband, are never to be forgotten and are to be given as much aid as they require. The contrast with NATO/Ukraine and most specifically the Outlaw US Empire is vast, as in they might as well exist of other planets. As mentioned up top, spending the 30 minutes to watch the video whether you know Russian or not is worth it to see the reactions of all those present, not just Putin. It’s clear that the youngest there provided the icebreaker for the group, both embarrassing while also making his mother proud. Clearly, the talk could’ve lasted much longer. But Putin’s watch read 11:30, so it was time to go.

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