…Researched and contributed by Solomon Thomas.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attended a service at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow on Orthodox Easter, flanked by an army of bodyguards, amid rumours of infighting at the Kremlin.
Dozens of dark-suited security operatives, believed to be Federal Protection Service guards, surrounded the church to protect Putin and other top officials from worshippers, who underwent intense security checks before being allowed inside.
The FSO bodyguards are routinely armed, and their primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of Putin and other top officials.
Traffic was restricted in central Moscow hours before the service began.
Putin was accompanied by Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, a close ally, and top churchman Patriarch Kirill, who gave a sermon giving his church’s blessing to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Patriarch Kirill described Putin’s rule as “a miracle of God” and declared that the sovereign land Putin had invaded is traditional Russian territory.
Putin was seen crossing himself several times during the ceremony, known as the Divine Liturgy.
Putin acknowledged that his war with Ukraine had come at a time of “serious challenges” as the second Orthodox Easter of the conflict approached.
The Orthodox church celebrates Easter Day according to the old Julian calendar.
He stated that “the wonderful, beloved Easter holiday gives believers hope, inspires good thoughts and deeds, and serves to affirm high moral ideals and values in society.”
Putin’s attack on Ukraine is believed to have killed over 200,000 people.
Putin’s security is a major concern in Russia, especially during the war against Ukraine.
His official palaces and residences are now protected with sophisticated air defence systems.
Some reports suggest that he uses body doubles to minimize the risk of assassination at events with large crowds.
He has also reduced his public appearances citing the danger of Covid infection.
The ceremony at Christ the Saviour Cathedral was attended by Putin’s army of bodyguards to protect him from any security breaches by worshippers.