Vladimir Putin thanked “Ded Moroz”, Grandfather Frost, Russian Santa Claus, on Thursday for helping him become president, almost 22 years to the day after his accession to the Kremlin on December 31, 1999.
“My relationship with Grandpa Gel has always been good. I am grateful to him for being able to speak to you in my capacity. [de président], but I am even more grateful to the Russian people who trusted me for this function, ”he said, questioned about his relationship with this figure.
“Carry out the projects of the country and of each citizen”
Vladimir Putin became interim president of Russia following the resignation of Boris Yeltsin on December 31, 1999, and has since ruled the country’s destiny. Now, Ded Moroz just distributes his gifts on New Year’s Eve.
“I hope that he will not only give us gifts, but also carry out the projects of the country and of each citizen,” added Vladimir Poutine, during his annual press conference.
Gifts only for “good” children
A journalist from Veliki Ustyug, the town where legendary Russian Santa Claus lives, also questioned him about his opinion of a citizen who filed a complaint against “Ded Moroz”, accusing him of failing to not having fulfilled his wishes for 23 years. “I can advocate for Ded Moroz and remind the complainant that Ded Moroz only grants wishes to boys and girls who have been good. Let (the complainant) analyze his behavior, ”replied Vladimir Poutine.
Ded Moroz, a bearded figure and very similar to Santa Claus, distributes gifts to children on New Year’s Eve throughout the former USSR. He is assisted by his granddaughter, Snégourotchka, the Snow Maiden.
