Putin, 73, Takes the Plunge in Ice Water Again This Year... Reinforces 'Strong Leader' Image

Annual Epiphany Ceremony
Emphasizing Physical and Mental Fortitude
Attention on Fitness Cultivated During KGB Years

Russian President Vladimir Putin, 73, took part in the traditional ice water immersion ceremony to mark the Orthodox Epiphany. This is an important annual event for the Russian Orthodox Church, in which believers immerse themselves in freezing water in the middle of winter to commemorate the baptism of the infant Jesus.

According to TASS on January 19 (local time), Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated during a briefing that "President Putin, as he does every year, immersed himself in water in accordance with tradition."

Russian President Vladimir Putin participating in the Orthodox Church bathing ritual of washing the body in ice water in January 2021. Kremlin Palace

President Putin has been participating in this ceremony for several years. In particular, in 2018, the Kremlin officially released footage of President Putin taking part in the immersion for the first time, attracting significant attention. At that time, he demonstrated his Orthodox faith by submerging himself in an ice hole on Lake Seliger in the Tver region. Notably, in 2021, a vivid video was released showing President Putin wearing a sheepskin coat, making the sign of the cross, and then entering the ice hole. Since then, he has regularly attended the event held in the Moscow region.

However, he did not participate in 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19, and in 2022, he was absent on the advice of medical staff and clergy. The Kremlin explained, "This ceremony is an important tradition not only for the president but also for many believers, and participation is a personal choice." TASS emphasized, "President Putin's actions are not for show, but rather a sign of deep respect for cultural and Christian traditions."

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia. Photo by TASS News Agency

President Putin's Epiphany ice water immersion is seen within Russia as a symbolic display of his 'good health' and 'mental strength.' Having served as an agent for the KGB (Committee for State Security) during the Soviet era, Putin is also known for his disciplined physical fitness regimen. He holds an eighth-degree black belt in judo and continues to engage in various sports such as swimming, ice hockey, and horseback riding.

He is often shown bare-chested in the wilderness even in the middle of winter. Such public appearances are also analyzed as a political strategy to reinforce his image as a 'strong leader' among the public.

Russian media have described President Putin as "a devout believer and a model of rigorous self-discipline," and noted that "his ability to undertake the immersion ceremony, which may seem extreme to ordinary people, without difficulty is impressive."