BELGRADE, THURSDAY

THE RUSSIANS CALL him Ded Moroz, which translates as Grandpa Frost, or Old Man Frost, or Father Frost. He is their equivalent of Santa Claus. Except he comes on New Years Eve. Yes, the Russians have always been awkward.

Anyway, to look at, Grandpa Frost is a dead ringer for Santa Claus and that is where the similarities begin. They are probably related but no one can confirm this. Ded, as he is known to intimate friends, who apparently include President Putin, lives in Russia, but, as usual, he sources all his best material for presents in the West (Plus ca change ….). During the Soviet period he actually spent some time in a Labor camp when there was an ongoing dispute about his benefits to a political utopia. It is said that Michael Gorbachev personally ordered his release, though that is unconfirmed.

He was equally popular in Ukraine until recent times. War and sanctions and very accurate anti-aircraft weapons have made his job in that country very challenging.

In bringing joy to Russian children, he continues to run the risk of falling foul of Western sanctions. But where there is a will there is always a way, and Ded has a smuggling ring so sophisticated that it is said to be used by Russian intelligence when the need arises.

“He breaks sanctions like they are small twigs,” said a friend. “Good will will always prevail.”