On Orthodox Christmas Putin vows to back soldiers who 'defend' Russia

Believers attend the Orthodox Christmas Eve service at a cathedral in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict in Donetsk, Russian-controlled Ukraine, January 6, 2024. REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko

(Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin vowed on the eve of Orthodox Christmas to back soldiers who "with arms in hands" defend Russia's interests, ordering his government greater support of those who fight and calling on his people to be merciful and just.

"Many of our men, our courageous, heroic guys, Russian warriors, even now, on this holiday, defend the interests of our country with arms in hand," Putin said at a late Saturday meeting with families of Russian soldiers who have died in Ukraine.