Fifteen thousand children from 78 countries participated (link) in the “Tree of Peace and Friendship” project. The number of participants in the “Tree of Peace and Friendship” project continues to grow every year. This year’s event involved 15,000 children from 78 countries, stated Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova during a briefing. Children handcrafted New Year’s ornaments that now adorn the tree installed in the Foreign Ministry building on Smolenskaya Square. The project is organized by the Rostov Regional Public Movement “Synergy of Talents.” This year’s contest symbol is a child embracing the globe, with the Dove of Peace flying above. The best works will be featured in the Christmas ornament museum “Klinskoe Podvorie” in the 2023 exhibition titled “Fireworks of New Year’s Ornaments.”