Putin appeals to unity and patriotism as supreme values on Russia Day

Russian President Vladimir Putin presided over a traditional state awards ceremony in the Kremlin on Russia Day, calling unity and patriotism the "main values" of the Russian people. He highlighted Russia's thousand-year history, emphasizing that unity and patriotism have enabled Russians to overcome difficulties, defeat enemies, and build their country. Putin stated that a sense of responsibility for the homeland and support for the army are common to all Russians.

“

Happy Russia Day!

Despite Putin's calls for unity, public sentiment shows a growing desire for peace, with two-thirds of Russians reportedly demanding an early cessation of hostilities and the start of peace negotiations with Ukraine. This desire is coupled with discontent over internet disruptions and economic contraction. Among the award recipients was the Human Rights Commissioner, Tatiana Moskalkova, who is leaving her post after ten years, a tenure that included prisoner of war exchanges related to the conflict in Ukraine.

The national holiday celebrations were marred by a significant Ukrainian drone attack. Russian air defenses reported downing 231 drones across 15 regions. The region of Tatarstan, over a thousand kilometers from the Ukrainian border, reported a massive attack on its Zakamski district, hospitalizing four people after a residential building was hit. Ukrainian Telegram channels claimed a refinery belonging to the Sibur group in Nizhnekamsk was also targeted, leading to the suspension of all national day events in the city.

“

the unity and patriotism have allowed the Russians to overcome all difficulties, defeat the enemies and build their country.

Bordering regions like Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk were also attacked, as was the Moscow region, where 14 drones were reportedly shot down. The annexed Crimean peninsula also faced attacks. In the industrial city of Tolyatti, damages were reported at one of its companies, identified by Ukrainian media as the Toliattikauchuk chemical plant. Adding to the subdued atmosphere, Moscow authorities canceled the traditional Red Square concert for Russia Day for the first time since 2003. This follows the scaled-back Victory Day military parade on May 9, which notably excluded heavy weaponry for the first time since 2007, indicating ongoing security concerns.

“

the feeling of responsibility for the fate of the homeland and the support for the army is something common to all the Russian people.