Kabardino-Balkarian Governor Kazbek Kokov held a joint meeting of the Anti-Terrorism Commission and the Operational Headquarters, where they discussed security issues during the New Year holidays, countering terrorist ideology, and preventative work with youth.

Chechnya's leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, was awarded the honorary badge "For Achievements in Sports." The award was given for his enormous contribution to the development and popularization of sports in the Chechen Republic.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev missed the informal CIS summit in St. Petersburg due to a busy work schedule. Aliyev's administration also noted that his absence from the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council on December 21 was due to Azerbaijan not being a member of the organization.

At a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Emomali Rahmon, the Russian President expressed deep condolences over the tragic death of a Tajik boy at a school in Odintsovo.