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During his visit to St Petersburg, the President attended public festivities at the Peter and Paul Fortress and fired the traditional midday shot from a cannon. . Honorary Builder of Russia Vladimir Bendet, who celebrated his 85th birthday that day, fired the cannon together with the President. . Vladimir Putin congratulated him on his birthday and presented him with a gift. The President also briefly spoke with Suvorov Military School students. . Vladimir Putin then visited the ice sculpture festival Around the World at the Peter and Paul Fortress. He looked at the exhibits and was photographed with visitors. . The festival represents all continents with their characteristic architecture, animals and plants, and the underwater world of the oceans. . One piece represents the lifted spans of the bascule Palace Bridge, one of the most recognisable sights of St Petersburg, and a ship with scarlet sails almost eight metres tall. . On the same day, the President visited the Peter and Paul Cathedral, the family tomb of the imperial Romanov family, at the Peter and Paul Fortress. . After touring the cathedral, Vladimir Putin was photographed with local residents and tourists. . In the early hours of January 7, the President attended the Christmas service at the Transfiguration Cathedral in St Petersburg. _______________________ #Vladimir_Putin #Putin #President #Russian_Federation #Russia #Friendly #Christmas #New_Year #Saint_Petersburg #Peter_and_Paul #Cathedral #Fortress #Kremlin_ENG