A controversial Christmas short video circulated on Russia’s pro-government Telegram channels depicting the country’s air defense system shooting down Santa Claus as he entered Moscow airspace. The clip emerged on various Russian social media platforms just hours after Russia was accused of being involved in the crash of an airplane in Kazakhstan, resulting in the tragic deaths of 38 people. As the news gained attention, Newsweek reached out to the Russian Defense Ministry for comment on the matter, but they have yet to respond. The video, narrated from the perspective of officers in the Russian air defense system, emphasizes the sentiment that “we don’t need anything foreign in our skies” as the nation continues its involvement in the war in Ukraine.
Russia has been facing an increase in long-ranged aerial attacks from Ukraine, with missile strikes on Russian soil and drone attacks in urban areas becoming more prevalent throughout the year. In the video, Santa is depicted flying over Moscow speaking English to Russians before being shot down by a missile that bursts into Christmas fireworks. Following the incident, Father Frost, a Russian version of Santa Claus, appears in the video praising the efforts of Russian military officers and extending well wishes for the New Year. The timing of the video’s release two days after the plane crash in Kazakhstan, where Azerbaijan accused Russia of firing a missile, adds an additional layer of controversy to the situation.
Russian actor Dmitry Melnikov portrays the character of a Russian air defense officer in the video, stating, “That’s it, the target has been destroyed. We don’t need anything foreign in our skies. Happy New Year.” Melnikov later mentioned that he was unable to disclose the creators of the video due to a non-disclosure agreement. The video has sparked outrage among some individuals, including former U.S. Air Force colonel Jeffrey Fischer, who criticized the lack of value placed on human life in Russia. As the investigation into the plane crash continues with participation from multiple countries, Azerbaijani politicians have called for Russia to provide reparations to those impacted by the tragedy.
The controversy surrounding the Christmas short video highlights the tension between Russia and other nations, particularly in light of the recent airplane crash in Kazakhstan. The video’s depiction of shooting down Santa Claus is seen as a provocative and insensitive move by some observers, given the timing and context of the situation. Despite the backlash, Russia has remained silent on the matter, leaving many questions unanswered regarding their involvement in the plane crash and the creation of the video. The incident underscores the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the implications of such tensions on the global stage.
As the investigation into the airliner crash progresses, countries in the region, including Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, are working to determine the cause of the tragedy using the plane’s black box data. While Azerbaijani officials have pointed fingers at Russia for the missile strike that led to the crash, Russia has not issued any statements regarding the incident. The demand for reparations from those impacted by the crash adds another layer of complexity to the situation, raising questions about accountability and responsibility in cases of such catastrophic events. The fallout from the video and the plane crash serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of power and diplomacy in the international community, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in times of crisis.
