Russia has published a festive video of Santa Claus becoming a victim of Russian air defence against the backdrop of the tragic crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane in Grozny, with growing evidence pointing to Russian air defence as the cause.

Propaganda has always been a powerful tool during conflicts, shaping narratives and stoking sentiments. Russia’s latest attempt comes in the form of a satirical video depicting a Santa Claus associated with NATO being shot down over Moscow.

The Kremlin claimed on Thursday that it shot down an American-made F-16 Fighting Falcon. The multirole combat aircraft was allegedly struck by a Russian air defense system over southeastern Ukraine. Kyiv has not confirmed the loss of the F-16,

A Russian propaganda video features defense systems destroying a Santa Claus figure, coinciding with claims of downing an Azerbaijani Airlines plane that killed 38. Grandfather Frost endorses the act,

A jolly, red-suited Santa flies over Red Square and the Bolshoi Theater. His sleigh is packed with “gifts” for Russia: Western missiles. On the ground, a grim air defense gunner pushes a button. A missile streaks across Moscow’s night sky.