Christmas is celebrated today in the country, a different date than 25 December because the Orthodox Church, representing around 260 million Christians, still uses the ancient "Julian" calendar to mark religious festivities

President Putin, when asked if he would change his decision to invade Ukraine in any way, replied that he would have to decide 'before' doing so

Vladimir Putin said that 'this year, on average, over a thousand people a day are enlisting' under contract in the Russian armed forces; the government has increased payments for those who enlist, with highest payment being set by the Moscow City Council

President Putin decleared that "Russia has the right to strike at countries that have supplied arms to Ukraine"