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Putin takes icy dip to celebrate Epiphany

The presidential spokesman specified that "there is no photo or video footage" this year

MOSCOW, January 19. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin took a dip in an ice-hole to mark Epiphany Day, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday.

"The president took part in Epiphany bathing. He did it outside Moscow," he said, adding that Putin "followed his own tradition." The presidential spokesman specified that "there is no photo or video footage" this year.

Orthodox Christians across the world celebrate Epiphany Day on January 19. According to tradition, Epiphany bathing begins on the night of January 19. In 2018, the Kremlin, for the first time, reported that Putin had taken part in the activity. Peskov said earlier that Putin respected the tradition. However, the head of state decided to refrain from bathing in icy water in 2022 due to the coronavirus situation.

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