Christmas tree in Maalul, Syria. Archive photo Aleppo (Syria), Jan. 2 Representatives of the Russian-speaking community of the Syrian city of Aleppo, located a few dozen kilometers from the contact line, held a traditional New Year's party for children, the chairman of the community Natalia Trotskaya told reporters. the event, the Russian military came with gifts. «This is the preservation of traditions, children are waiting for this holiday. Despite the fact that here is a Muslim country, everyone is waiting for Santa Claus. Not Baba Noel, like the Arabs, but we are waiting for our Santa Claus. & lt; … & gt; We always invite, and every year, if you look at our historical chronicle, we have always had soldiers, «Trotskaya said. 
50 New Year trees from Karelia were delivered to the Russian military in Syria The servicemen of the Center for the Reconciliation of Warring Parties (CPVS) brought gifts for children and adults from charitable organizations and volunteers from the Kaluga region — soft toys, sweets, books in Russian. At the holiday, young people who take an active part in the life of the community were presented with certificates of honor. The next holiday in the community will be Orthodox Christmas on January 7. In the multi-confessional city, it is traditionally celebrated along with all secular and Muslim holidays. A de-escalation zone was created in northwestern Syria in 2017. Since March 6, 2020, a ceasefire has been in effect there after the agreements reached between Russia and Turkey, but terrorists regularly violate the ceasefire. Turkey has conducted three military operations in northern Syria since 2017. A security buffer zone was created between the cities of Azaz and Jerablus north of Aleppo, Afrin was occupied, border areas east of the Euphrates River were taken under control. Russia and Turkey agreed on joint actions to resolve the situation in the northeastern regions of Syria. The Russian military police and the Syrian military were brought into the areas bordering the Turkish operation zone, and the Kurdish formations were given 150 hours to free the 30-kilometer zone from the border with Turkey. The withdrawal of Kurdish units in accordance with the Sochi agreements was carried out, Turkey and Russia began joint patrols.
