Russia's equivalent to Santa Claus, Ded Moroz or Father Frost, joined in New Year celebrations in the Chechen capital of Grozny before revealing his true identity as Prime Minister Ramzan Kadyrov.
At least 15,000 people have gathered in the centre of Grozny for an open air concert.Festivities and fireworks are taking place across the republic, with no military on the streets. Servicemen have been ordered to wear civilian clothing.