Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the plenary session of the International Week of the “Peoples of Russia” on National Unity Day. Held annually from November 2 to 8 under a presidential decree, the week brought together representatives of Russian regions and delegations from 35 foreign countries this year. The Security Council staff coordinates the events, while the Roscongress Foundation serves as the operator.
The head of state began his speech with history. He said Russia had taken shape through interaction among its peoples and ethnic groups, their languages and customs, while people of different nationalities had served the country together for centuries in science, culture and on the battlefield. Putin noted that the peoples of Russia had not merely united over the centuries: “We have simply grown into one another.”
“We stand shoulder to shoulder”
Putin drew a parallel between the events of 1612 and the present day. He recalled that people of many different nationalities took part in the liberation of Moscow during the time of Minin and Pozharsky and that they “accomplished the feat of saving the Fatherland and drove the invaders out of the Kremlin.” “The powerful, all-conquering spirit of unity among the peoples of Russia passes from generation to generation. Today, too, we stand shoulder to shoulder and are confident that we will certainly achieve the goals we have set,” the president said. He said representatives of more than 100 peoples of Russia had received state awards for courage and heroism shown during the special military operation.
Russian is the foundation of statehood
The role of the Russian language held a special place in the speech. “The Russian language and the Russian people have been and remain the foundation that shapes Russian statehood,” Putin stressed, calling them a guarantee of the preservation and development of all the country’s other peoples. The president described the unity of the peoples as the supporting structure of Russia’s sovereignty and independence: “Our strength, enormous competitive advantage and potential lie in this diversity of cultures, traditions and customs.” “We must constantly strengthen it, protect interethnic harmony and safeguard our common heritage,” he added.
A call for vigilance
The head of state separately addressed interethnic relations. He recalled that Russia had always paid particular attention to this area because it was highly sensitive and delicate, while new and often dangerous challenges arose constantly. “We must remain vigilant and stop any attempts to undermine social stability or incite discord among people,” Putin said.
The year 2026 has been declared the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia. The president formulated its main goal as further strengthening what unites citizens, gives them determination and instills pride in the country. That same day, Putin laid flowers at the monument to Minin and Pozharsky on Red Square, spoke with children of participants in the special military operation, and presented state awards and prizes at the Kremlin for contributions to strengthening the unity of the Russian nation.
Video: DRM News. Photo: from open sources
