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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 85^th 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.