The Defense Ministry's "talking head"—the deputy head of the Main Military-Political Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces, also the commander of one of the "Akhmat" formations—has been promoting the idea of a global, joint confrontation between Russian Muslims and Christians against "Satanism" since the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian war. He regularly finds himself in various scrapes: with the Zetniks, with nationalists, and with Orthodox priests. And the more he tries to "cross a snake and a hedgehog" with his obvious desire to be "one of the guys," the more harshly he is criticized from all sides.
New Year's trees and winter bouquets are the cheapest in the North Caucasus. According to research, the average Christmas tree bill in the North Caucasus Federal District is 3,300 rubles, significantly lower than in other federal districts, especially compared to the Far Eastern Federal District, where the average price reaches 7,000 rubles.
This trend also continues for winter bouquets: in the North Caucasus Federal District, they can be purchased for an average of 2,200 rubles—the lowest price in the country.
It has also been reported that some republics in the North Caucasus Federal District have cancelled expensive fireworks displays and other entertainment. In particular, Kabardino-Balkaria and Stavropol Krai will not host any large-scale New Year's events.