According to Vitaly Borodin, the jolly gift-giver is just too popular in “countries unfriendly to Russia” and undermines traditional Russian holiday icons like Ded Moroz.
Independent Russian news outlets report that Borodin’s request was recently filed, casting suspicion on Santa’s global fanbase. Borodin argues that Western companies—long associated with Santa’s image—could be “financing” his presence in Russia to erode the nation’s “traditional values.”
He went so far as to estimate that trademarks related to Santa Claus are worth a jaw-dropping $1.6 trillion. For Borodin, such high stakes justify a crackdown on the cheerful figure in the red suit.
The activist, known for politically charged complaints against journalists and celebrities—including legendary singer Alla Pugacheva—now sets his sights on the world’s most famous sleigh-riding gift distributor. As the holiday season approaches, Russians may find themselves watching closely to see if their beloved Ded Moroz faces some stiff North Pole competition—or if Santa is sidelined by a new geopolitical chill.
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Source: RMF24