The president met with Ukraine conflict veterans during a Christmas service

Russia treats its soldiers as warriors on a holy mission from God, President Vladimir Putin said after attending a Christmas service on Wednesday.

The president met with veterans of the Ukraine conflict and their families at Saint George the Victorious Church outside Moscow.

“You should be rightfully proud of your fathers and your mothers, as the Russian people have always been proud of their warriors,” Putin told a group of children.

“We often call the Lord the Savior because he came to earth to save all people. It is the same with our warriors, because they are always, under the direction of the Lord, on a mission to defend the Fatherland and its people,” he added.

“Russia has always viewed its warriors as carrying out a holy mission under the direction of the Lord,” Putin said.

In a Christmas message released by the Kremlin, Putin also praised Christian organizations for their charity work and support for veterans.