In Russia, Even AI Believes in Father Frost
A New Year hotline to Father Frost and his helpers has reopened across Russia, with modern digital technology now powering a long-running holiday tradition. The toll-free number will accept calls through December 31.
Ahead of the New Year, Russia has once again launched a hotline to Father Frost and his assistants. Allowing children across the country to connect with the country’s most famous winter character through a mix of tradition and digital tools.
The hotline was launched by Rostelecom Contact Center with the support of Russia’s official Father Frost from Veliky Ustyug. It is the only official communication channel linked to the Father Frost theme park in Russia’s Vologda region. Now in its fourth year, the project has become a recognizable part of the holiday season.
Write or Call?
By phone, children can tell Snegurochka about their dreams, leave wishes for Father Frost, and solve winter riddles. The hotline complements the long-running “Letter to Father Frost” project, which includes physical mailboxes installed across the country as well as the option to send messages online.
Calls are handled by voice assistants developed by Rostelecom Contact Center. The systems can recognize speech even from very young children, understand questions, and carry on a natural conversation. Large language models and speech analytics are used to manage peak call volumes and keep interactions friendly and engaging. Over the first three years of operation, the hotline processed more than 320,000 calls from across Russia and neighboring countries.
Hearing Every Child
Father Frost from Veliky Ustyug says he receives thousands of letters and calls every year and makes a point of listening to every child. He emphasized that sincere wishes always find a way to come true.
Snegurochka, Snowmen, and Rostelecom
Alexander Svyatets, CEO of Rostelecom Contact Center, said the team carefully prepares scripts and riddles, trains digital assistants, and relies on in-house IT solutions to make every call feel truly magical for children.
The hotline brings together familiar New Year characters and modern technology. The fairy tale remains warm and recognizable, while digital tools help it reach children all across the country.
