Children from all Russia’s federal districts, winners of various contests and school competitions, children from poor families and orphans, traditionally attend the Kremlin New Year party.
Vladimir Putin entered the hall before the performance began and took a seat in the front row. A few minutes after the event started, Father Frost gave the floor to the Russian President.
The president’s dog, a Labrador named Koni, unexpectedly appeared on the stage in the middle of Mr Putin’s speech. The dog sat by her master while he was speaking to the children. Mr Putin then watched the New Year show and was photographed with some participants.