Russian President Vladimir Putin plunged three times into icy water during the traditional Orthodox Epiphany service on the night of January eighteenth to nineteenth. The ceremony commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River and is widely practiced in various regions of Russia.
As reported by the editorial staff, short video clips circulating on social media show Putin entering an ice hole at sub-zero temperatures to perform the traditional triple immersion. Kirill Dmitriyev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, who reposted the footage, accompanied the video with ideological statements, writing "Join Russia in the fight against Satanism" in the context of the country's "struggle against evil forces."
In his X platform post, Dmitriyev also referenced claims published by BRICSinfo in September 2025 regarding the confiscation of financial assets of international "Satanists." This is seen as framing the Epiphany rituals within a political and ideological framework beyond their religious tradition.
In Russia, Epiphany bathing is carried out with special preparations each year, with ice holes being set up even in the coldest regions of the country. Officials and the Russian Orthodox Church characterize this ceremony as an important element of spiritual purification and religious unity.