(TheBlaze/AP) -- The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris was facing financial difficulties this year, but was still able to put up its awe-inspiring Christmas tree thanks to the Russian government.
According to the Associated Press, Russia's ambassador to France called the tree "a message of peace" amid the tension between Russia and the West over the violence in Ukraine.
The Christmas tree in front of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, Tuesday Nov. 25, 2014. Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has a Christmas tree this year thanks to an unusual patron: the Russian government. Amid high tensions between Russia and the West over violence in Ukraine, Russia’s ambassador to France says the “tree is a message of peace.” (AP Photo/Jacques Brinon)
In fact, when the rector of the Notre Dame admitted to foreign embassies earlier this month that it was unable to afford the enormous tree, Russia was quick to offer to cover the cost.
"We thought this would be a rather nice present," Ambassador Alexander Orlov said, not disclosing how much it cost and insisting that the move is in no way an attempt to curry favor with the West.
When the tree was unveiled this week, a man dressed as Santa Claus said in a booming voice: "I have chosen this tree from my forests." According to RT, "Santa Claus" was actually Russian embassy spokesperson Sergei Parinov.
Notre Dame officials expressed gratitude for the gift, but still said they'd rather have a Ukranian-funded tree next year.
You can see the ceremony where the tree was lit up below, via RT:
