Putin received the relatives at the Novo-Ogaryovo presidential residence, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. The president had “a pretty extensive interview with the families.” Afterwards he joined the guests for dinner and afterwards they attended midnight mass in a church on the grounds.
Putin assured the families of the victims that they can always count on the support of the Russian government. In the meantime, dissatisfaction is growing among the families of reservists fighting in Ukraine. For example, a number of women held a protest at the Kremlin earlier in the day. The Russian presidential elections will take place in March.
In Russia, believers celebrate Christmas on January 7. Precisely for that reason, Ukraine decided last year to celebrate Christmas on December 25 from now on. With this, the parliament in Kiev wanted to send a signal that the country is distancing itself from its Russian heritage and from now on wants to focus on the West.