Russian President Vladimir Putin made a bold and traditional statement on Friday morning as he celebrated Orthodox Epiphany by taking a dip in subzero waters. The annual ritual, observed by some Russian Orthodox believers, saw Putin bravely immerse himself in the icy waters, as confirmed by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The 71-year-old president's location for the ritual was not disclosed by Peskov, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to the already daring event.

Putin traditionally takes the plunge into icy waters on Epiphany bathing* on Friday night, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said.

The Russian president doesn't usually follow this tradition publicly, so we attached a couple of photos from January 2018, when Putin took an "ice… pic.twitter.com/GAqui7wb5J

— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) January 19, 2024

Putin's participation in the celebration highlights his connection to Russian tradition and culture, and his willingness to partake in such a physically challenging and spiritually significant practice. This bold display of reverence for Orthodox Epiphany is sure to not only resonate with the Russian people but also attract attention and admiration from around the world. Putin's willingness to embrace age-old customs and rituals serves as a powerful reminder of the important role that tradition and faith play in shaping the identity of a nation.