President Vladimir Putin made a surprising cameo in a beloved Russian children’s cartoon, delivering a New Year message alongside the animated characters of Sharik the dog and Matroskin the cat.

The appearance, set in the fictional village of Prostokvashino, delighted young viewers while sparking curiosity among adults visiting the Prostokvashino theme park in Moscow.

“Anything can happen in a cartoon. Why not?” said Marina, a parent attending with her child, reflecting the lighthearted reception of the cameo.

Another visitor, Oksana Frolkova, noted that children recognize Putin and that seeing him in a playful, animated setting can be “important and interesting” for them.

She added that such appearances might also capture the attention of audiences beyond Russia.

Yuliana Slashcheva, chair of the Soyuzmultfilm studio board, emphasized that Russian cartoons are exported to countries in the former communist bloc and the Middle East, with growing interest from China.

She described Putin’s cameo as a form of cultural outreach, or “soft power,” highlighting the potential of animation to connect people and share Russian culture in a gentle, engaging way.