Elected Cossacks, representing over 2,200 Cossack communities operating across the territory of 77 constituent entities of the Russian Federation, convened to define the priorities for the development of the Russian Cossack Society.
Presidential Aide and Chairman of the Presidential Council for Cossack Affairs Dmitry Mironov conveyed Vladimir Putin’s greetings to the participants. The message emphasised, in part: “The history of Russian Cossacks is replete with glorious and heroic chapters. Over many centuries, Cossacks valiantly fought for the freedom and independence of the Fatherland, defended its borders, pioneered new territories, and instilled unwavering patriotic, spiritual, and moral values in the younger generation. Today, honouring the legacy of their fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers, members of the Russian Cossack Society are demonstrating unparalleled courage and fortitude during the special military operation. The whole of Russia takes pride in their deeds of valour.”
A report was delivered by Ataman of the Russian Cossack Society Vitaly Kuznetsov.
Honoured guests at the event included Deputy Head of the Government Executive Office and Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Council for Cossack Affairs Denis Molchanov, as well as members of the Council: Head of the Republic of North Ossetia – Alania Sergei Menyailo, First Deputy Minister of the Interior Alexander Gorovoy, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots Viktor Vodolatsky, Metropolitan Kirill of Stavropol and Nevinnomyssk, Chairman of the Synodal Committee of the Russian Orthodox Church for Cooperation with the Cossacks, and others.
The meeting was attended by representatives of state authorities, clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church, students from universities affiliated with the Association of Cossack Universities, cadets of Cossack cadet corps and general education institutions, prominent figures in culture and the arts, and others.