A Russian propaganda video depicting Santa Claus being shot down over Moscow has sparked intense global criticism and controversy.
At a Glance
- Russian propaganda video shows Santa Claus being shot down over Moscow.
- Santa is depicted with NATO-marked missiles symbolizing Western consumerism.
- The video’s release coincided with a real aviation incident, leading to criticism.
- Internationally criticized for insensitivity and negative propaganda.
Santa Claus Shot Down Over Moscow
Russian propaganda channels this month released a controversial video depicting Santa Claus being intercepted and shot down by Russian air defenses over Moscow. The video uses Santa as a symbolic portrayal of Western aggression, his sleigh loaded with missiles branded by NATO, and prominently displays a can of Coca-Cola, underscoring Western consumerism.
The Russian icon, Grandfather Frost, is also featured, congratulating the air defense operator for their actions, emphasizing the contrasting Russian cultural values.
A statement delivered by Grandfather Frost in the video underscores this sentiment: “We do not need anything foreign in our skies,” Grandfather Frost said in the clip.
Take a look at the video here:
Three days after Russian air defenses shot down an Azerbaijani passenger plane, Russian propaganda channels release a video of Russian air defenses shooting down Santa Claus because “we don’t want anything foreign in our skies.” Cc: foreign airlines still flying to Russia. pic.twitter.com/I1MHJTdbxa
— Yaroslav Trofimov (@yarotrof) December 27, 2024
Released shortly after a tragic Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash, the video’s timing has stirred significant backlash for its insensitivity. Critics argue that the tactless portrayal of shooting down Santa Claus amid a real aviation disaster further weakens Russia’s attempts at cultural diplomacy.
The international community has ridiculed the high production values and lack of sensitivity, along with the fact that it’s obviously an act of aggression against an overwhelmingly popular classic Christmas character. Featuring well-known actor Dmitry Melnikov, the video’s elaborate production suggests significant backing, but it has arguably done more harm than good in terms of public relations.
They seriously put big money behind this.
Despite its negative reception abroad, the video serves as part of Russia’s use of cultural symbols to craft nationalist sentiment. By portraying Western influences as a threat, the video plays into existing narratives surrounding the conflict in Ukraine and ongoing geopolitical tensions with NATO.
