in front of the Kremlin with barrels of ice-cold water which they plan to whack with their broomsticks. The flying water is then supposed to turn into snow with the help of various arcane rituals and spells, RIA said, quoting sources "close to the supernatural powers". The witches decided to hold their meet after Muscovites complained of a big drop in temperatures, which has turned the capital‘s traditional snow into slush and puddles. RIA said the witches and wizards had the backing of the Moscow city government and of Father Frost, the Russian answer to Santa Claus, and his assistant the Snow Maiden.