Putin said he received the icons that saved the fighters as a gift.

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about two icons that the military gave him and which, according to them, saved the soldiers from bullets. He stated this on October 11 at a press conference following his visit to Tajikistan.

Answering a question about birthday gifts, the Russian leader confirmed that the military had presented him with souvenirs.

"Two of them are of special value: one of the commanders handed me two icons with bullet dents on them, and they gave me these icons as a gift. I am very grateful to them," Putin said.

The President noted that he plans to personally meet with the fighters. Putin added that he takes the opportunity to publicly thank the military.

"I want to convey my most sincere words of gratitude to them through the media, and may the Lord protect them as He has kept them until now," the Russian leader stressed.

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On October 7, Patriarch Kirill congratulated the President of Russia on his birthday and wished him God's help and success as head of state. At the same time, the Patriarch expressed special gratitude for the assistance and attention of the Russian leader to the ministry of the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as for the support of its various socially significant initiatives.

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