VLADIMIR Putin's propaganda machine has plunged to sick new depths after releasing a bizarre video appearing to kill a Western version of Santa. Footage shows a jolly Father Christmas soaring over the Kremlin in his sleigh - before being blasted out of the sky in a fiery Russian explosion.
![[The propaganda piece depicts a 'Western' Santa flying above Moscow with Nato missiles and a can of Coca-Cola in the sleigh]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image_91a185.png?strip=all&w=960)
The video was shared across Russian social media channels just days after the tragic Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash that killed 38 people. The Christmas Day disaster saw the aircraft erupt into a fireball amid reports that it was shot down by a Russian anti-aircraft missile.
![[The moment a Russian air defence system shots a missile at Santa and his sleigh]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image_bdaeb6.png?strip=all&w=960)
Russia's latest propaganda piece carries an eerie similarity to the real-life tragedy as Putin’s air defences are seen shooting down Santa in a calculated strike. The social media video from Putin's problematic propaganda machine features a traditional version of St Nick in his sleigh flying above a Russian Christmas market.
![[The bizarre video sees the missile hit Santa and cause a giant explosion over the Kremlin]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image_b855b4.png?strip=all&w=960)
In the back of the magical motor he appears to have Nato missiles and rockets instead of presents. The weapons closely resemble Trident and Minuteman III ICBM missiles used by Nato forces. As a can of Coca-Cola is also in the bushy bearded Santa's hand.
![[A typical Russian depiction of a blue Santa appeared to order the hit on his rival Father Christmas]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image_a37305.png?strip=all&w=960)
This seems to show the version of Father Christmas is a Western depiction in the evil eyes of Vlad and his cronies. The red Mr Claus can be heard shouting: “Hey Russians, here are your presents, Happy New Year.". Moments later a giant rocket is sent hurtling at the reindeer pulling the sleigh as a huge fireball blast erupts.
![[The moment the missile is fired towards the Western Santa]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image_397057.png?strip=all&w=960)
