DID Press: Vladimir Putin not only asserts himself as Russia’s political leader but also as a devout Orthodox Christian, publicly demonstrating his religious beliefs. His ritual of immersing himself in icy waters has become a symbol of personal faith and strength, reflecting the traditional values that underpin Russia’s contemporary conservative policies.
In January 2022, during the Orthodox Epiphany celebration near Moscow, Putin entered an ice-covered river wearing only swimwear at temperatures near −10°C, making the sign of the cross before and after the plunge. This ritual, rooted in ancient baptismal traditions, had also been performed by Putin in 2021 and consistently serves as a public demonstration of his faith and physical endurance.
Analysts argue that the ritual serves a dual purpose: it is both a spiritual, symbolic act and a political tool to reinforce legitimacy and social cohesion in Russia. By aligning himself with the Orthodox Church, Putin promotes traditional family values, rejects Western liberalism, and strengthens national identity through domestic policy.
Concrete examples of this influence include:
Legislation against LGBTQ+ communities: Between 2013 and 2023, laws were enacted that restrict LGBTQ+ activities, at times labeling them as “extremist.”
Support for traditional family and marriage: The 2020 constitutional amendments define marriage exclusively as a union between a man and a woman, rejecting gender-neutral terms such as “Parent 1 and Parent 2.”
Domestic violence policies: The 2017 reforms decriminalized certain minor instances of domestic violence, with the Orthodox Church opposing stricter measures, framing feminist interventions as interference in traditional family structures.
This combination of personal faith and political strategy positions Putin as the leader of a country that is simultaneously conservative, religious, and prepared to resist Western liberal influence. Experts suggest that this approach casts Russia not only as a military power but also as an ideological and civilizational counterweight to the West.