Putin Compares Russian Soldiers to Jesus Christ in Orthodox Christmas Speech

Russian leader Vladimir Putin marked the Orthodox Christmas holiday by drawing a comparison between Russian soldiers and Jesus Christ, calling their mission a “sacred” one, The Moscow Times reported, citing a Kremlin transcript on January 7.

Speaking after attending a midnight Christmas service at the Church of St. George the Victorious in the Moscow region, Putin said, “We often call the Lord the Savior because He came to Earth to save all people. In the same way, Russia’s warriors have always carried out this mission—defending the Fatherland, saving the Motherland and its people.”

Putin emphasized that throughout Russian history, soldiers have been viewed as performing a holy mission on behalf of God, entrusted with the responsibility of defending the nation. He also addressed the children of military personnel, telling them to take pride in their parents' service. “Victory is always one for all,” he said.

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This marks another instance of Putin’s continued emphasis on the military and national unity, especially following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In his New Year’s address, he reiterated the importance of national strength and solidarity, citing Russian propaganda claim that “millions” of Russians were backing those fighting in Ukraine, according to The Moscow Times.

Western estimates suggest Russia has suffered significant military casualties in the ongoing war, and has caused over 14,000 civilian deaths in Ukraine, according to the United Nations.

Previously, it was reported that Vladimir Putin’s persistent hardline stance in negotiations has periodically irritated US President Donald Trump and complicated efforts to broker a peace deal in Ukraine, according to Politico.

Despite ongoing military losses, internal economic pressure, and fuel shortages linked to Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, Politico reports that Putin remains unwavering in his “maximalist demands.”

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