Russia ‘shoots down Santa’ in viral video days after alleged involvement in crash
A Russian video depicting Santa Claus being shot down as he entered Moscow airspace has gone viral on social media.
The clip emerged shortly after Russia was accused of being involved in the crash of an aeroplane in Kazakhstan, which killed 38 people.
Thirty-eight people were killed and there has been speculation that Russia was responsible for the crash, although the Kremlin has dismissed this.
As investigations continue into the crash, a video showing an English-speaking Santa Claus heading towards the Russian capital emerged on social media.
He says: ‘Ho, ho, ho! Hi Russians, here are your presents. Happy New Year.’
Santa then recoils in horror as his sley is hit by an anti-aircraft missile and destroyed in a giant explosion.
The clip cuts to a Russian Santa Claus and a male member of the Russian military who says: ‘Target destroyed’.
The Russian Santa added: ‘Right, we don’t need anything foreign in our skies. Happy New Year.’
The man replies: ‘You too grandfather. Happy New Year to everyone.’
It finishes with a message saying ‘Happy New Year Russians’.
The video has caused a stir on social media, as just days ago, Azerbaijani government sources claimed the crash was caused by a Russian surface-to-air missile.
France-based outlet Euronews also reported that a Russian surface-to-air missile caused the crash, citing unnamed Azerbaijani government sources.
After the crash, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he wished to ‘offer condolences to the families of the deceased and to all the injured’.
He said in a statement: ‘We will hope that they recover. Of course, I am confident that a thorough investigation will be conducted.’
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