Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged on the eve of Orthodox Christmas to support soldiers who are "bearing arms" in defense of Russia's interests and ordered the government to provide greater assistance to these fighters, also calling on the public to show compassion and justice.
During a meeting late Saturday with the families of Russian soldiers who died in Ukraine, Putin said, "Many of our brave, heroic Russian warriors are still, this holiday, defending our country's interests while bearing arms."
Russia launched a wide-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which Kyiv and its Western allies describe as an unprovoked land grab.
Nearly two years into a war that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions, the conflict has escalated into increased aerial strikes by both sides on each other's territories, amid attempts to secure significant gains on the frontline.
State television footage showed the Russian president attending a midnight mass with a limited number of families of the soldiers killed in a small church at his residence in Novo-Ogaryovo near Moscow.
Unlike last year, Putin did not call for a ceasefire in Ukraine during the holiday celebrated by many Orthodox Christians on January 6 and 7.
Putin, who is preparing for elections in March and has begun to focus his speeches on traditional values and unity, ordered the entire government to provide greater support to the families of fallen soldiers.
In a separate message posted on the Kremlin's website, Putin urged Russians to embrace the values of "steadfast goodness, mercy, and justice."
