Vladimir Putin has made his animated debut in the beloved Russian children’s cartoon series, *Prostokvashino*, featured in a special New Year’s episode released on December 26, 2023. The episode, available on the Russian streaming platform Okko, presents a light-hearted narrative involving a family with a talking dog and cat as they celebrate the New Year.
In this episode, while Putin does not provide his own voice, actor Dmitry Grachev, known for his comedic role on the show *Comedy Club*, portrays the character of the Russian president. The storyline follows the cartoon family as they travel to Moscow’s Red Square to ring in the New Year. A humorous debate ensues between the characters Matroskin, the cat, and Sharik, the dog, regarding whether Putin’s annual holiday address is recorded in advance or delivered live.
In reality, Putin’s New Year’s messages are typically pre-recorded, but in the context of *Prostokvashino*, the pets invite him to join them in delivering a live message to the nation. During the episode, Putin expresses warm wishes, stating, “Dear friends, may your New Year tree be decorated with the most pleasant memories, delicious cheesecakes on every table, and peace and joy in the soul,” before concluding with “Happy New Year, dear friends.”
Animation and Political Context
Putin’s appearance in *Prostokvashino* did not come as a complete surprise. Yuliana Slashcheva, chairwoman of the animation studio Soyuzmultfilm, hinted at this collaboration, suggesting it could enhance Russia’s “soft power” abroad. The series, which began in 2018, is a continuation of a popular Soviet-era cartoon based on the children’s stories of Eduard Uspensky from the 1970s. The title references the fictional village of Prostokvashino, where the show is set.
This festive release coincides with a tense backdrop, as early on December 27, 2023, Russia launched missile and drone attacks against Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, resulting in one fatality and injuring 27 others. Explosions reverberated throughout the city for hours, as ballistic missiles and drones struck various locations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on December 30 for discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict that has persisted for nearly four years.
In light of these events, the New Year’s special featuring Putin stands out as a significant cultural moment, blending entertainment with current political realities. The juxtaposition of a light-hearted children’s program and the serious international situation underscores the complexities of media and politics in contemporary Russia.
