Russian President Vladimir Putin extended Christmas greetings to Orthodox Christians, emphasizing the importance of family traditions and the role of the Russian Orthodox Church in uniting people. On January 7,

Russia's invasion, which began in February 2022, has also been a source of religious controversy within the Eastern Orthodox Church and has driven a split among believers in both Russia and Ukraine.Vi

The Russian dictator Vladimir Putin ordered his initials to be engraved on the links of chains for crosses that are to be given to participants in the invasion of Ukraine, including military unit commanders,