Website of the President of Russia: Photos: Ceremonies

Ceremony to present state decorations

2026-02-23T15:27:06+04:00

A ceremony for presenting state decorations to officers of the Defence Ministry and the Russian National Guard was held at the Kremlin.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, comrades.

I congratulate you on Defender of the Fatherland Day, a holiday that we have marked with a profound sense of pride and gratitude in recent years. We pay tribute to all those who, risking their lives, demonstrate courage and valour and, guided by their love for Russia and our people, carry out their military duty in the special military operation zone, safeguard our borders, and maintain strategic parity.

Russia is fighting for its future, independence, truth and justice. At the forefront of this battle are strong, courageous, and devoted people: the soldiers and officers of the Armed Forces, members of the National Guard, and personnel of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the special services, and other units.

Those gathered at the Kremlin today are not only professionals with extensive experience and outstanding training. They are commanders who have stood shoulder to shoulder with their soldiers from the very beginning of the military operation, sharing every challenge and hardship with their comrades-in-arms. These are people of strong moral convictions and noble ideals, the true patriots of Russia.

The high state decorations you have been awarded, especially the Gold Star medals of Hero of Russia, are a recognition of your achievements.

Among those present are representatives of command structures and officers of special and operational units. Your skilful and courageous actions, personal bravery and determination have contributed to the careful planning and successful execution of our troops’ offensive operations in the most difficult areas and directions.

Dear comrades, we are fully aware of the demands this task is placing on you, and the immense responsibility each of you bears for our people and for our shared cause. Yet you remain steadfast in your service to Russia, acting in c coordinated and precise manner.

Comrades, thank you for your courage and loyalty to your oath, and for honouring the legacy of generations of our ancestors and our dear veterans, those who fought throughout history to defend and protected our great, thousand-year-old Russia.

Once again, I congratulate you on Defender of the Fatherland Day and on being awarded these high state decorations.

I wish you success, good health, and all the very best.

Please convey my sincere words of support to your families and loved ones, to all those who are waiting for you, worrying about you, and keeping you in their thoughts.

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Vladimir Putin: Dear friends, I once again congratulate you on receiving your state decorations and on this holiday.

We all understand what kind of responsibility is on your shoulders. I think this is the most important thing for an officer. Of course, anyone has to think about themselves, their well-being, their life, and their family. But the most important thing is the responsibility for your subordinates, for people that fight beside you, for those whose fates are to a certain extent in your hands. And I ask you to never forget about this crucial thing,

Thank you for your service to the Fatherland. Congratulations!

Ceremony for presenting letters of credence

2026-01-15T21:02:36+04:00

Vladimir Putin received the letters of credence from newly appointed ambassadors of foreign nations. The ceremony took place in the St Alexander Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.

The letters of credence were presented to the President of Russia by: Alenka Suhadolnik (Republic of Slovenia), Mohamed Abukar Zubeyr (Federal Republic of Somalia), Sosthene Ndembi (Gabonese Republic), Shobini Kaushala Gunasekera (Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka), Nicolas Louis Marie Olivier de Rivière (French Republic), Stephan Sylvain Sambou (Republic of Senegal), Joseph Nzabamwita (Republic of Rwanda), Daniel Kostoval (Czech Republic), Sidati Cheikh Ould Ahmed Aisha (Islamic Republic of Mauritania), Mawlawi Gul Hassan Hassan (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan), Toufik Djouama (People's Democratic Republic of Algeria), Sara Feronha Martins (Portuguese Republic), Nazrul Islam (People's Republic of Bangladesh), Sérgio Rodrigues dos Santos (Federative Republic of Brazil), Heidi Olufsen (Kingdom of Norway), Anna Christina Thérése Johannesson (Kingdom of Sweden), Hamdy Shaaban Abdelhalim Mohammed (Arab Republic of Egypt), Jorge Ignacio Zorro Sánchez (Republic of Colombia), Sami Mohammed Al-Sadhan (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Koma Steem Jehu-Appiah (Republic of Ghana), Monica Ndiliawike Nashandi (Republic of Namibia), Gerhard Sailler (Republic of Austria), Enrique Orta González (Republic of Cuba), Faisal Niaz Tirmizi (Islamic Republic of Pakistan), Lee Sok-bae (Republic of Korea), Manuel Augusto De Cossío Klüver (Republic of Peru), María del Rosario Portell Casanova (Oriental Republic of Uruguay), Bashir Saleh Azzam (Republic of Lebanon), Jürg Stephan Burri (Swiss Confederation), Abdul-Karim Hashim Mostafa (Republic of Iraq), Stefano Beltrame (Italian Republic), and Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef (Republic of Maldives).

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Speech at the ceremony for presenting letters of credence

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Ladies and gentlemen,

First, I would like to warmly welcome you to the Kremlin for this formal ceremony to present your letters of credence. Our meeting comes at the very start of a new year – a time when we all look to the future with our plans and, naturally, with the hope that difficulties, hardships, mutual recriminations, and conflicts will be left behind. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to offer my heartfelt wishes for prosperity and success in 2026 to you, your families, and the peoples of the nations you represent.

You will, I trust, agree that international cooperation is fundamental to humanity’s sustainable development and prosperity. In today’s diverse and interconnected world, global stability and security depend directly on the ability of states to interact constructively. Open and honest partnerships create the conditions needed to tackle our shared challenges, even the most complex ones.

There is a reason why people say that peace does not come by itself. It must be built, day-by-day, and it is a painstaking process. Achieving peace requires effort, a sense of responsibility and the ability to make deliberate choices. This posture is especially relevant today considering the increasingly deteriorating international environment. I think that no one would claim otherwise. Old conflicts are escalating, while new serious hotbeds of tension emerge.

At the same time, unilateral and dangerous actions often substitute diplomacy, efforts to come to a compromise or find solutions which would suit everyone. Instead of having states engage in dialogue with one another, there are those relying on the might-makes-right principle to assert their unilateral narratives, those who believe that they can impose their will, lecture others how they must live and issue orders.

Dozens of countries across the world have been suffering from the infringement of their sovereign rights, from chaos and lawlessness. They lack the strength and resources to stand up for themselves.

Placing a greater emphasis on having all members of the international community respect international law, as well as facilitating the advent of new emerging trends and a fair multipolar world order can be viewed as a reasonable solution. In this world order, all states would have the right to follow their own development models and to define their future independently, without outside interference, while preserving their unique culture and traditions.

I would like to note that Russia is sincerely committed to the ideals of a multipolar world. Our country has always pursued and will continue to pursue a balanced, constructive foreign policy course that takes into account both our national interests and the objective trends of global development.

We are determined to maintain truly open and mutually advantageous relations with all partners interested in cooperation, deepening ties in politics, the economy and culture, and jointly confronting acute challenges and common threats.

Russia advocates for strengthening the key, central role of the United Nations in global affairs, the organisation that celebrated its anniversary last year.

Eight decades ago, our fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers, having emerged victorious in the Second World War, were able to unite, find a balance of interests, and agree on the fundamental rules and principles of international communication, enshrining them in their entirety, completeness, and interconnectedness in the UN Charter.

The imperatives of this foundational document, such as equality, respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and the resolution of disputes through dialogue, are now more relevant than ever. Most importantly, we must proceed from the understanding that security must be truly comprehensive and, therefore, equal and indivisible, and it cannot be ensured for some at the expense of the security of others. This principle is enshrined in fundamental international legal instruments.

Disregarding this basic, vital principle has never led to anything good and never will. This has been clearly demonstrated by the crisis around Ukraine, which became a direct consequence of years of ignoring Russia’s legitimate interests and a deliberate policy of creating threats to our security, including the advancement of the NATO bloc towards Russia’s borders – contrary to the public promises made to us. I want to emphasise this: contrary to the public promises made to us.

Let me remind you that Russia has repeatedly put forward initiatives to build a new, reliable, and fair architecture of European and global security. We have proposed options and rational solutions that could satisfy everyone in America, Europe, Asia, and across the world.

We believe it would be worthwhile to return to a substantive discussion of these proposals to establish the conditions under which a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine could be achieved – and the sooner, the better.

It is precisely a long-term and sustainable peace, one that reliably ensures the security of all and everyone, that our country strives for. Not everywhere, including in Kiev and the capitals that support it, are they ready for this. But we hope that an awareness of this necessity will come sooner or later. Until then, Russia will continue to consistently pursue its objectives.

At the same time, I would like to reiterate and ask you to bear in mind in your activities that Russia is always open to building equal and constructive relations with all international partners for the sake of universal prosperity, well-being, and development.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Taking part in today’s ceremony are ambassadors from 32 countries. Every one of them is an active member of the United Nations and makes their own contribution to addressing essential tasks on the global agenda.

Many of you represent countries that are Russia’s strategic partners and allies with whom we share relations of friendship, cooperation, and mutual support; countries with which we work actively within large international and regional associations.

I am confident that the Brazilian ambassador will agree that our two states, who were the founding members of BRICS, share the same views regarding the necessity to build a truly just multipolar world order.

Russia-Brazil cooperation is developing progressively, gaining new mutually beneficial projects across various fields. As you know, just yesterday I had a telephone conversation with President Lula da Silva. This conversation reaffirmed our shared approaches to global and regional processes, as well as the fact that our positions on many key issues either coincide or are very close.

I would like to emphasise that Russia and the Republic of Cuba enjoy genuinely strong and friendly relations. We have consistently provided assistance and support to our Cuban friends. Russia stands in solidarity with Cuba’s firm determination to defend its sovereignty and independence.

The Russian-Cuban alliance has withstood the test of time and is rooted in the sincere mutual goodwill of our peoples. Together, we are implementing projects of critical importance to the Cuban economy in areas such as energy, metallurgy, transport infrastructure, and healthcare, while also expanding cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

I would also like to underscore that Russia has long maintained close, constructive relations with many countries of Latin America, treating the states of the region with the utmost respect as equal, sovereign partners.

This fully applies to the countries represented here today: Colombia, Peru, and Uruguay. We can see significant potential for expanding trade, investment, and business cooperation, as well as collaboration in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, and professional training.

In the same spirit of partnership and mutual trust, Russia remains committed to further strengthening its engagement with the countries of the Middle East and North Africa.

A special role in this region is played by Egypt, a friendly country to Russia. Our relations are based on the Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Cooperation Agreement. Our two countries are successfully implementing major joint initiatives, such as the construction of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant and the establishment of a Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal area.

In a month, we will mark the centenary of establishing diplomatic relations between Russia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Our bilateral partnership has evolved into a comprehensive and steadily expanding relationship. Close coordination within the OPEC Plus format has been established and continues to play a genuinely important role in maintaining stability in the global oil market.

We welcome the Kingdom’s decision to serve as a guest country at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum to be held in June. Of particular note is Saudi Arabia’s intention to host the Intervision International Music Competition, which has been revived at Russia’s initiative.

Relations with Lebanon and Iraq have traditionally developed in the spirit of mutual respect and goodwill. Russia has consistently supported the unity, sovereignty, and independence of these states and firmly opposes any external interference in their domestic affairs.

We maintain close cooperation with Pakistan, a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the largest regional organisation in terms of economic, technological, and human potential. Russian-Pakistani relations are genuinely mutually beneficial.

Afghanistan holds observer status in the SCO. In recent years, Russian-Afghan cooperation has gained notable momentum, facilitated by Russia’s decision last year to officially recognise the country’s new authorities. We are sincerely interested in seeing Afghanistan emerge as a united, independent, and peaceful state, free from war, terrorism, and drug trafficking.

Our cooperation with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Republic of Maldives is progressing very effectively. We are successfully expanding engagement in traditional areas such as tourism, fisheries, agriculture, and energy, while remaining committed to developing cooperation in other spheres of mutual interest.

Today’s ceremony is attended by a broad representation of ambassadors from friendly African nations: Somalia, Gabon, Senegal, Rwanda, Mauritania, Algeria, Ghana, and Namibia. Russia maintains relations with all states on the continent based on genuine partnership, mutual support, and solidarity.

The foundations of these relations were forged during the period when African nations were fighting for freedom and independence. Our country made a significant contribution to liberating African states from colonial oppression, to establishing their statehood, to developing their national economies and social sectors, as well as to the training and equipping of their armed forces.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to expanding mutual political, economic, and cultural ties. We continue to provide assistance and support to African nations in their pursuit of development and active participation in international affairs.

All these matters were discussed in detail at the Russia–Africa summits in Sochi and St Petersburg, as well as at the ministerial conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum held a month ago in Cairo. Preparations are underway for the third Russia–Africa Summit, which is scheduled to take place this year.

Unfortunately, much of the positive momentum in our relations with the Republic of Korea has been eroded. Yet in the past, by adhering to pragmatic approaches, our countries achieved truly positive results in trade and business. We look forward to restoring relations with the Republic.

With each of the European states represented here – Slovenia, France, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy – our relations have deep historical roots and are rich in examples of constructive partnership and mutually enriching cultural cooperation.

The current state of bilateral ties between the aforementioned countries and Russia leaves much to be desired. Dialogue and contacts – through no fault of ours, I must emphasise – have been reduced to a minimum, both at the official level and in business and civil society circles. Cooperation on key international and regional issues has been frozen.

It is my hope that, in time, the situation will nevertheless change, and our nations will return to normal, constructive dialogue based on respect for national interests and due consideration of legitimate security concerns. Russia has been and remains committed to such approaches and is prepared to restore the required level of relations.

More broadly, as I have stated on multiple occasions, we are open to constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries without exception. Naturally, we are keen to ensure that the work of each ambassador present here yields the most fruitful results.

Ladies and gentlemen, you may rest assured that all constructive initiatives you propose will receive support from the Russian leadership, executive authorities, the business community, and civil society.

Allow me to wish you success and all the best in your endeavours.

Thank you for your attention.

Reactor vessel installation ceremony at power unit of El Dabaa NPP

2025-11-19T18:14:27+04:00

Vladimir Putin, together with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, participated via videoconference in a ceremony marking the installation of the reactor vessel for the first unit of Egypt’s El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant.

Construction of Egypt’s first nuclear power plant is being carried out by the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom under a Russian-Egyptian intergovernmental agreement signed in 2015. The plant will consist of four power units with a total capacity of 4,800 megawatts.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi addressed the ceremony participants with a video message.

Remarks by the President of Russia at the ceremony

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, friends,

I warmheartedly welcome all participants of the ceremony marking the installation of the reactor pressure vessel for Unit 1 of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant.

The presentations by our colleagues, as well as the video we have just seen, clearly demonstrate that the construction of Egypt’s first nuclear power plant with Russian participation is progressing confidently and successfully.

In fact, we are now entering a crucial stage in the technological outfitting of the future plant. In the foreseeable future, it will begin generating the electricity required to meet the needs of Egypt’s growing economy.

The implementation of the El Dabaa project became possible largely thanks to the personal initiative and support of our friend, President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who, as has already been noted, celebrates his birthday today. Happy birthday, Mr President, I wish you good health, prosperity, and continued success in your public service.

We are grateful for the consistent attention you devote not only to this flagship project in the field of the peaceful atom, but also to the overall expansion of diverse contacts with Russia. We fully share this approach and remain committed to a comprehensive strengthening and deepening of our partnership with friendly Egypt.

It is important that Russian-Egyptian relations are steadily developing on the basis of the Strategic Cooperation Agreement, in the spirit of equality, mutual respect, and consideration for each other’s interests. This reflects the best traditions of our interstate ties, which have been built over many decades.

Let me also recall that in the second half of the twentieth century, Soviet specialists actively contributed to the development of Egypt’s economy, helping to build major industrial, energy, and infrastructure facilities throughout the country.

Many of these joint projects, such as the Aswan Dam, the Helwan Iron and Steel Complex, and the Nag Hammadi Aluminium Plant, have become enduring symbols of our friendship and have brought, and continue to bring, tangible benefits to the Egyptian people.

It is gratifying that our bilateral cooperation continues to develop consistently. Our trade is growing steadily. It increased by slightly more than one third last year. Our industrial cooperation is growing stronger. We are working to create a Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal area.

The planned launch of four power units of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant with a total capacity of 4,800 MW will substantially strengthen the energy security of Egypt. Our Generation III reactors will produce up to 37 billion kWh a year, generating approximately 10 percent of electricity in the country.

Rosatom, which is a recognised leader in the field of peaceful nuclear energy, is using cutting-edge engineering solutions and economically effective and reliable technologies for building the nuclear power plant in Egypt. At the same time, it complies with all necessary standards and environmental requirements.

Not only Russian but also Egyptian companies are taking part in the El Dabaa project. To date, about 55 percent of contract and subcontract orders have been localised in Egypt. This means that a modern high-tech nuclear industry is being created in Egypt, which includes the demand for new, including highly skilled jobs.

Russia is training nuclear engineering personnel for Egypt. Over 100 Egyptian students have received relevant education at Russian universities. In July, a special training and advanced training centre opened at the power plant with support from the Rosatom Academy.

Russia will continue to provide assistance to its Egyptian partners at all vital stages of the nuclear project. This includes long-term supplies of reactor fuel, the technical maintenance of the plant, and spent nuclear fuel management.

Rosatom is ready to share its unique technologies with Egypt, in particular, regarding the assembly of small modular reactors and the use of nuclear energy in medicine and agriculture.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the Russian and Egyptian engineers employed in the construction of the El Dabaa NPP for their diligence and hard work. Your concerted efforts ensure the rapid construction of the power units and the efficient implementation of extremely complicated assembly and technological tasks.

I would like to congratulate our Egyptian colleagues on Egyptian Nuclear Energy Day.

I once again wish a happy birthday to President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and wish him nuclear success in all his endeavours.

Thank you very much. I wish you success, and all the best.

Thank you.

President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (retranslated): In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful!

Your Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, ladies and gentlemen,

First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to His Excellency the President of the Russian Federation, my dear friend Vladimir Putin, for his kind participation in this historic event, the installation of the reactor vessel for the first unit, and for the signing of the agreement on the delivery of nuclear fuel for the continued implementation of our project.

I also wish to extend my appreciation to His Excellency for his support of this strategic undertaking and for his dedication to ensuring its success. My thanks likewise go to all the distinguished guests present today.

President Putin, ladies and gentlemen,

Today, we are writing a new chapter in the life of our country. Since the middle of the last century, we have awaited this turning point, and now we see it becoming a reality, thanks to hard work, perseverance, and the relations between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Russian Federation. These sustainable strategic relations cover a wide range of areas and are built on mutual respect and understanding despite international and regional challenges.

Today’s event continues the long-standing, fruitful cooperation between our two countries through major projects that have shaped development and progress, from the construction of the Aswan Dam in the 1960s to the construction of the El Dabaa NPP.

These are grand national projects of immense value for Egypt. They send a powerful message: we are moving forward with confidence, overcoming all obstacles through determination and dedication in order to reach this historic moment: the implementation of this project.

This shows that our partnership is not limited to political dialogue, but is embodied in tangible, practical projects that serve the interests of both peoples, especially in the context of the global crisis and rising energy prices, and reaffirms the wisdom of the Egyptian government’s decision to revive the peaceful nuclear program, ensuring sustainable energy supplies.

In line with Egypt Vision 2030, this event confirms Egypt’s role as a regional energy hub and aligns with our efforts to achieve comprehensive development. The El Dabaa NPP represents a turning point in the localisation of knowledge and a genuine investment in our national human resources. Cooperation in training, and technology transfer will help prepare a new generation of Egyptian nuclear experts.

This positions Egypt as a leading state in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and creates thousands of direct and indirect jobs that will support Egypt’s progress and development.

Ladies and gentlemen,

In conclusion, I would like once again to thank His Excellency President Putin and all those contributing to this project – the engineers and workers from both the Egyptian and Russian sides – for their dedication and outstanding efforts in achieving unprecedented standards throughout this project’s implementation.

I call on everyone to continue their work with diligence and commitment, adhering to the highest international standards, to reinforce Egypt’s status as a leading nation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy as well as to support Egypt’s development, prosperity, and bright future.

Thank you. Peace and blessings of Allah be upon you.

Presenting state decorations and Presidential prize for contribution to strengthening the unity of the Russian nation

2025-11-04T22:55:05+04:00

On National Unity Day, Vladimir Putin presented state decorations and presidential prizes for contribution to strengthening the unity of the Russian nation in the Kremlin.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, friends,

Please accept my heartfelt greetings on National Unity Day.

This holiday was established to commemorate a great feat by our people, who, over four centuries ago, rose up in defence of our Motherland’s independence. It was the profound unity, deep sense of responsibility, and devotion to our Fatherland demonstrated by those people that allowed us to strengthen the foundations of our statehood and defend our sacred right to remain true to our own roots and moral values.

And today, in keeping with these traditions, we defend the sovereignty, honour, and dignity of our homeland, Russia, through peaceful, creative, and military endeavours.

This unwavering devotion to our unity, rooted in common spiritual values, is championed by the World Russian People’s Council. The head of this authoritative public association, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, tirelessly promotes dialogue and cooperation between all constructive powers in Russia and among the Russian communities across the CIS and beyond.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to His Holiness for his immense contribution to strengthening the unity of the Russian nation and congratulate him on being awarded this honorary prize.

Today, we honour the laureates who have received these awards over the past few years.

They include Natalya Virtuozova, Pavel Doroshenko and Alexei Zharich, a team of creators whose concerted efforts were instrumental in bringing to life the Russia International Exhibition and Forum – a project of unique scale and significance. It became a major event for millions, showcasing the vast spectrum of talents and achievements of our country.

Supporting ethnic and cultural diversity provides the foundation for mutual respect and harmony among the peoples of Russia. The Great Ethnographic Dictation is a wide-ranging international awareness campaign that fosters interest in the history, geography and traditions of the various regions of our vast country. This year, the prize for contribution to strengthening the unity of the Russian nation was awarded to its creators, Anna Gabdullina and Pavel Orlov.

The Presidential Council for Coordination with Religious Organisations also marks its 30^th anniversary this year. The Council members include the most influential religious figures in Russia who are involved in immense constructive work. Many of them will also receive well-deserved state decorations.

Colleagues,

Russia has many loyal friends. And today, on National Unity Day, we have remarkable representatives of the intellectual, creative and business circles from other countries present here.

Preservation and promotion of Russian culture are important areas of work for Italian scholar, journalist, political scientist and public figure Eliseo Bertolasi.

Chairman of the Russian Geographical Society in Sri Lanka Mr Weerasinghe is making a great contribution to strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties with Russia.

Honorary Consul General of Russia Dr Ameen Safia contributes to strengthening friendship and cooperation between Russia and Israel.

For many years, prominent pianist and conductor Justus Frantz has been engaged in fruitful efforts to bring the cultures of Russia and Germany closer for the sake of mutual enrichment.

The leader of Vietnam’s largest agricultural holding, Ms Thai Huong, is implementing advanced agricultural projects in Russia. These initiatives ensure our countries’ food security and expand our strategic cooperation.

We are grateful to everybody who sees a reliable partner in Russia. We are always open to new mutually beneficial contacts, the development of multidimensional ties and mutual cultural enrichment.

Friends,

The value of our unity is indisputable. We know how to close ranks in the face of common tasks, global challenges and threats, and we also celebrate our victories, achievements and successes together.

Once again, happy National Unity Day! Congratulations on receiving the Presidential Prize and the prestigious state decorations.

From the bottom of my heart, I wish you further success. Thank you.

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Vladimir Putin: Friends, colleagues,

Once again, please accept my warmest greetings on National Unity Day.

This is, of course, first and foremost a holiday for the citizens of Russia. It holds a special significance, not only because it commemorates the centuries-old events that preserved our country, but because today, the very concepts of unity and solidarity are once again synonymous with the preservation of our nation, our sovereignty, and our statehood. This is the fundamental meaning underpinning today’s events.

Here in this hall are people who have contributed immensely to this fundamental goal – the preservation of Russian statehood. I bow my head to you and thank you most sincerely.

Issues related to Russia’s great, multiethnic culture have also been frequently raised here. In this regard, I would like to note that the channels of cultural connections and the impulses emanating from Russia are undoubtedly aimed at fostering a similar atmosphere on the international stage, among the peoples on our planet, to unite us around shared values.

Therefore, I would like to emphasise that, despite all the difficulties, challenges, and tragedies of our time – and unfortunately, there are many – we, in Russia, will continue to send out precisely these impulses. For we strive for friendship and cooperation not only with our neighbours, but with all nations on Earth.

I am very grateful to our foreign friends who are here with us today. Your very presence strengthens our belief in this aspiration and in your readiness to work with us towards this common goal. Thank you.

Once again, congratulations to everyone on this national holiday and on your well-deserved decorations and prizes that have been presented today here in the Kremlin, in the heart of the Russian capital.

Thank you.

Ceremony to present state decorations

2025-05-22T19:48:03+04:00

The ceremony to present the highest state decorations of the Russian Federation took place at the Kremlin’s St Catherine Hall.

The recipients of orders, medals and honorary titles included military service members, cosmonauts, representatives of public and religious organisations, public officials, musicians, journalists, mothers of many children, as well as healthcare, culture, education and industry workers.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, friends, good afternoon.

I welcome you all to the Kremlin and to this solemn ceremony. I am pleased to present you with high state awards.

The tradition of honouring outstanding citizens is evidence of public recognition of your talent and achievements in labour or art. Your heroic deeds in the name of freedom, independence and the future of Russia are a source of pride and deep gratitude.

We have recently celebrated the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War together. This entire milestone year is dedicated to the defenders of the Fatherland, the heroic generation of our World War Two veterans, who triumphed over Nazism, endured bitter trials, and showed unprecedented fortitude. And of course, this holiday also honours their glorious successors, who are fulfilling their duty valiantly on the most challenging and critical frontiers, bravely defending their native land and fighting for the lives of service members and civilians alike.

Among them are Lyudmila Bolilaya, a servicewoman of the Ministry of Defence, and Vladimir Kharlan, the chief physician of a district hospital in the Kherson Region. Both of them will be decorated with the Hero of Russia Gold Star medals today.

Several members of our brilliant cosmonaut squad are here at the Kremlin with us today. Your work involves cutting-edge research and the implementation of the most inspiring breakthrough projects – and, not least, challenges, risks, and difficult tests. Konstantin Borisov, Alexander Grebyonkin and Nikolai Chub have been awarded the title of Hero of Russia and the honorary title of Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation.

We pay tribute to peaceful development and active participation in the life of Russia. The Hero of Labour Star is awarded to statesman and public figure, State Duma Deputy Nikolai Kharitonov, whose extensive work has been dedicated to the advancement of our regions, domestic agriculture, and other vital sectors.

The high symbol of labour valour is also bestowed upon Rinat Galeyev, head of an enterprise that manufactures critically important, high-tech radio communication systems.

We welcome Honorary President of the Russian Olympic Committee Vitaly Smirnov. He has rightfully become a Hero of Labour due to his immense contribution to the development of elite sports and the promotion of the true ideals of Olympism.

Strong family foundations and traditional values are the steadfast pillars of our thousand-year statehood and a reliable moral compass for all generations, society, and the youth.

Today, we are joined by Maria Ilyashenko and Irina Ilyashenko. They represent different generations of one large, multi-child family. The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law have devoted themselves to raising children, and each has rightfully earned the title of Mother Heroine.

The talent, knowledge, experience, and intellect of Russia’s chief diplomat, Sergei Lavrov, have earned him unwavering respect both in our country and around the world, among friends and, as we say, so-called geopolitical opponents. This recognition is based on his steadfast devotion to Russia, his readiness to resolutely defend its interests in any circumstances, and his many years of immense, complex, and tireless service to the Fatherland. Sergei Lavrov has been awarded one of our highest honours – the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called.

Friends, today’s most crucial task is the preservation of our people, their culture and spirituality, and the finest educational and enlightenment traditions. The State Historical Museum and its director, Alexei Levykin, exemplify such efforts.

Among the participants of our solemn ceremony are representatives of industry, healthcare, and education, as well as renowned artists and musicians.

All of you are masters of your craft, people of great courage and remarkable talent. The state awards and public recognition serve as an important testament that you – and those like you – are indispensable to Russia. Together with millions of such hardworking individuals, creators, and heroes, as a united people and, as recently stated during a meeting with volunteers in Kursk, as one team, we will overcome any challenge and rise to any task.

I wholeheartedly congratulate you. I wish you new successes and victories, good health, and all the very best.

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Vladimir Putin: Friends,

Just now, speaking here, one of the awardees – a representative of the Russian Orthodox Church, whom we affectionately and respectfully refer to as “Father” – said very important words. He spoke of how essential it is to love the Fatherland, to learn to love the Motherland, and to teach others to love it, above all by instilling this love in young people. But the best way, the best method, the best tool to teach anything is by personal example. And this is the example you set. For this, we thank you profoundly.

I congratulate you on these honours bestowed by the Motherland.

Press statements following Russian-Vietnamese talks

2025-05-10T21:53:18+04:00

Following Russia-Vietnam talks, Vladimir Putin and To Lam made statements for the press.

Before making the statements, the heads of state were present at a ceremony to exchange the documents signed.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrade To Lam, Ladies and gentlemen,

Comrades,

We are delighted to welcome our Vietnamese friends to Russia, led by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Comrade To Lam.

Yesterday, together with many other foreign leaders, we attended the celebrations marking the 80^th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. A unit of 68 cadets from the First Army Officer Training School of Vietnam marched across Red Square shoulder to shoulder with the ceremonial units from Russia and other countries.

I consider the visit of our Vietnamese friends, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the Great Victory, as yet another evidence of the time-tested friendship, military comradery and mutual support between our nations. Russia remembers Vietnamese internationalist volunteers who fought heroically alongside Red Army soldiers in the Battle of Moscow in 1941–1942. Last year, a sculpture was erected in the Patriot Park near Moscow to honour their deeds.

In turn, the Soviet Union put significant effort into helping the emerging Vietnamese state to continue its struggle for freedom and independence, contributing to the country’s economic and social progress, infrastructure development, and personnel training. Undeniably, the Soviet Union also made a significant contribution to the liberation of southern Vietnam and the country’s reunification. April 30 marked the 50^th anniversary of those important historical events.

This year also marks the 75^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. Over the years, our bilateral ties have grown stronger, evolving to a comprehensive strategic partnership, and continue to expand in the spirit of equality, mutual respect, and consideration of each other’s interests.

The talks we have just had with Comrade To Lam serve as a clear proof of all this. We substantively discussed Russian-Vietnamese cooperation across all sectors as well as the international agenda in a warm and constructive atmosphere.

As you have seen, an impressive package of documents has been signed following the talks. We have adopted a Joint Declaration, in which we reaffirmed the key principles of our bilateral partnership and mapped out specific guidelines for our further work.

First and foremost, these agreements are aimed at expanding our mutually beneficial economic cooperation. As of the end of last year, Russia-Vietnam trade grew by more than 20 percent, reaching US$6 billion. There is still more to achieve, as back in 2021, our mutual trade was slightly higher than that. But we know what steps are necessary to reach this prior level and go beyond that.

The steady increase in our mutual trade flows is largely a result of the Agreement on Free Trade signed by Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union. This document not only secured concessional terms for our goods and services to reach the respective markets but also facilitated a noticeable increase in investment and intensified technology and innovation exchanges.

It is important to note that Russia and Vietnam are shifting to financial payments in national currencies and seeking to develop reliable channels for cooperation in banking and lending.

Vietnam-Russia Joint Venture Bank plays a key role in servicing our trade transactions. The bank has been successfully operating for almost 20 years, steadily providing Vietnamese and Russian customers with a broad range of financial and lending services.

Our cooperation in energy is expanding. I will not list everything that has been done in this sector but I want to note that this cooperation has been developing for many years, and the progress is clear. Today, we approved new agreements in the context of implementing mutually beneficial Russian-Vietnamese projects.

In addition, Zarubezhneft plans to build a marine wind power station with a capacity of 1,000 MW in southeastern Vietnam. Russian companies are interested in joining the construction of new and modernisation of the existing hydropower generation facilities in the republic.

The agreements signed just now on peaceful atom are opening doors to providing Vietnam with affordable and environmentally safe energy. This project will become a good stimulus for the further growth of the Vietnamese economy, for the creation of thousands of new jobs, and the training of highly qualified local workforce.

This work is already underway. Moreover, as we have heard today from Rosatom CEO, certain Vietnamese specialists have joined the teams at Russian nuclear facilities in third countries. This means that the level of their training corresponds to all international standards.

A centre of nuclear science and technology in Vietnam is also on the agenda.

Among the examples of mutually beneficial industrial cooperation, I would like to note the facility that manufactures Gazelle cargo and passenger minibuses in Da Nang. Russia’s Kamaz is expanding its presence in the Vietnamese market, with a chain of dealerships and service centres now established across the country.

Russia and Vietnam are implementing a number of joint infrastructure projects. Regular container cargo transportation is maintained through the Vladivostok – Ho Chi Minh City maritime transport corridor. The logistics hub in the Ho Chi Minh City port consolidates cargo from Thailand, Malaysia and other countries of Southeast Asia for further shipment to Russia.

Bilateral partnership in agriculture is advancing steadily. Livestock farms are being built in several Russian regions, including Bashkortostan, the Tyumen Region, and the Moscow Region, with the participation of Vietnamese investors.

I know that a dairy plant will be launched in the Kaluga Region tomorrow, with the Vietnamese company TH Group participating in the project. The new facility will supply products to Asia-Pacific markets, among others.

In humanitarian sphere, Russia and Vietnam have a good tradition to hold mutual Days of Culture on a regular basis, a practice that effectively brings our nations together. National cinema weeks, art exhibitions, and touring music and theatre productions are popular in both Russia and Vietnam.

More than 3,000 Vietnamese citizens study at Russian universities; overall, about 75,000 Vietnamese people have been educated in our country. It goes without saying that we intend to continue to promote student exchanges and new joint educational projects and university programmes in every possible way.

I met with people who had graduated from our universities when I was in Vietnam last year. I must tell you that this is a very active group of our Vietnamese friends who are vigorously promoting the Russian language and Russian culture. This is certainly a reliable resource for expanding bilateral ties.

We greatly appreciate Vietnam’s attention to the study of the Russian language. It is included in the secondary school curriculum as the first foreign language. Work is underway to open a Russian gymnasium in Hanoi. A branch of the Pushkin Russian Language Institute has been operating in the capital of Vietnam for years. Under the intergovernmental agreement signed today, it is going to provide a platform for the Regional Centre for Russian Language Learning for citizens of all countries of Southeast Asia.

The Joint Vietnam-Russia Tropical Research and Technology Centre in Hanoi serves as an effective platform for Russian and Vietnamese specialists to conduct joint research in such important fields as ecology and nature conservation, medicine, combating infectious diseases and epidemics, and so on.

I certainly cannot fail to note the recent noticeable increase in tourist traffic between Russia and Vietnam, which nearly doubled last year. The direct air service is expanding, with several new flights added this year, connecting Moscow and other major Russian cities with Hanoi and Nha Trang.

Naturally, during the talks, we also discussed important issues on the global and regional agendas. I would like to emphasise that Russia’s and Vietnam’s respective stances on these issues largely coincide or are closely aligned.

Our countries firmly uphold and support the rule of international law, the sovereignty of states and non-interference in internal affairs. They coordinate their efforts at key multilateral platforms, including the Russia-ASEAN dialogue, and jointly advocate for the peaceful and sustainable development of the Asia-Pacific region.

In conclusion, I would like to once again express my gratitude to Comrade To Lam for the productive joint work. Today’s talks will undoubtedly serve to further strengthen the Russian-Vietnamese comprehensive strategic partnership, which benefits both nations.

I already expressed our gratitude to Comrade To Lam for his direct and personal involvement in the development of Russian-Vietnamese ties, and I would like to emphasise this once again. Since Comrade To Lam became General Secretary, we have seen rapid progress of Russian-Vietnamese relations and cooperation in many fields. Comrade To Lam, we greatly appreciate your contribution.

Thank you for your attention.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam (retranslated): Mr President,

Colleagues, members of the media,

I am glad to be again in great and beautiful Russia at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin, a loyal friend and comrade of Vietnam, in order to attend the celebration of the 80^th anniversary of Victory of the Soviet and Russian people in the Great Patriotic War.

I would like to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to the President and Russia’s senior officials for the warm and comradely welcome extended to the high-ranking delegation and me. We congratulate Russia on the very successful and solemn celebration of Victory Day which is a particularly important event that will forever go down in history of humanity and forever glorify the great contribution of the Soviet Red Army, including those who laid down their lives for independence of their country and allied countries in fighting against Nazism, defending and bringing freedom, independence and peace to humanity. This victory makes the younger generations aware of the value of peace and the heroic traditions of the nation.

We also marked the 50^th anniversary of liberation of the South, which went down in history of our people as one of its most outstanding chapters, a glittering symbol of the complete victory of revolutionary heroism and human reason, which went down in world history as a great feat of the 20^th century. The two events become even more significant if you think about close ties and mutual support between our countries in the past.

President Vladimir Putin and I held very productive talks in an atmosphere of openness, sincerity, and mutual understanding. We discussed a whole range of bilateral issues. The President and I reiterated that the leaders and peoples of Vietnam and Russia have always cherished the long-standing traditional friendship between our two countries, which has been tested by time and gets ever stronger in the name of long-term interests of our two peoples and for the benefit of both nations.

President Putin and I have aligned our agendas on the main areas of comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era.

First, we will work to strengthen the foundations of high political trust and traditional friendship that have been laid by many generations of the leaders and peoples of our two countries, and to strengthen political exchanges and dialogues at all levels between our respective parties, states, governments, parliaments, and regions. We will also focus on improving traditional education of the two countries’ younger generations.

Second, we will create breakthroughs in economic, trade and investment cooperation, maximise the use of the existing potential, and eliminate all difficulties and obstacles. We will promote innovative areas of cooperation such as clean energy, support for the manufacturing industry, and the closed-cycle economy. We agreed on pursuing concrete projects symbolising our friendship in the new era.

The sides support energy and oil-and-gas companies to promote cooperation, to expand investment and to work in each other’s territories in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, in particular, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Third, we will work to develop new, substantial, and effective breakthroughs in scientific research and technology, nuclear energy, biotechnology, and the semiconductor industry. We also agreed to promote the implementation of joint research projects.

Fourth, we will deepen cooperation in defence, security, and military technology, jointly respond to non-conventional security and cyber security challenges and prevent and oppose high-tech crimes.

Fifth, we will strengthen cooperation in education, professional training, and labour. We agreed to step up the training of specialists to promote the Russian language studies in Vietnam and the Vietnamese language studies in Russia.

Also, we will work to expand direct air service between our two countries. I would like to take this opportunity to announce that yesterday the Vietnam Airlines national airline resumed direct flights between the capitals of the two countries, and the privately owned VietJet Air airline is about to launch flights connecting the two countries as well.

The President and I discussed ways to step up the efforts to maintain peace, security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Vietnam appreciates Russia’s efforts and hopes that Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, will continue to play an important role in maintaining peace and stability in the region, ensuring safety and freedom of navigation and air navigation, and peacefully resolving disputes in the region, including the East Sea, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

We welcome and support Russia’s initiatives to advance cooperation within ASEAN in order to build a strong and united ASEAN community.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Russian President and Government of Russia for their continuous support and assistance to the Vietnamese diaspora. We hope that the Russian side will continue to assist the Vietnamese diaspora so that they can live, work and integrate into Russian society in a peaceful and stable way, and continue to act as a bridge of friendship between our countries.

Thank you again to Mr President and media representatives for the full and truthful coverage of my visit.

I invited President Putin to visit Vietnam, and he gratefully accepted the invitation.

I wish good health to President Vladimir Putin and every media member present here.

Thank you very much.

Vladimir Putin: Mr To Lam, our dear friend and comrade, mentioned another area of our cooperation. He said we plan to strengthen defence and security cooperation. I did not mention that in my remarks, but I confirm that we have such plans. Bearing in mind the famous line from a Russian song, “From the taiga to the British seas, the Red Army is the strongest of all!” we have every reason to believe that all our plans in this area will come to fruition.

Laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

2025-05-09T15:45:55+04:00

Vladimir Putin, joined by the heads of foreign states and leaders of international organisations who had come to Moscow to attend the celebrations marking the 80^th anniversary of Victory, laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Alexander Garden.

Parade marking the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory

2025-05-10T00:31:32+04:00

President of Russia, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Putin attended a military parade marking the 80^th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945.

The heads of foreign delegations joined the President of Russia on the reviewing stands.

Before the parade, the President welcomed in the Kremlin the leaders of foreign countries who had come to Moscow for the Victory Day celebrations.

The parade began with a march of the banner group bringing the national flag of Russia and the Victory Banner into Red Square. The parade was led by Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Ground Forces General of the Army Oleg Salyukov and reviewed by Defence Minister Andrei Belousov.

The marching column on Red Square included 55 ceremonial units of over 11,500 service personnel, including over 1,500 personnel involved in the special military operation. Military contingents from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Egypt, China, Laos, Mongolia, and Myanmar also took part in the Victory Parade.

The mechanised column was led by the legendary T-34 Victory Tank and SU-100 self-propelled artillery units. The Tigr-M and VPK-Ural armoured vehicles, Linza armoured medical vehicles, BRM-1K reconnaissance vehicles, BTR-82A armoured personnel carriers, BMP-2M, BMP-3 and Kurganets-25 infantry fighting vehicles, BMD-4 and BTR-MDM Rakushka airborne infantry fighting vehicles, as well as main battle tanks T-72B3M, T-80BVM and T-90M Proryv were part of the mechanised column as well. Missile and artillery units showcased self-propelled artillery systems, Iskander-M precision missile systems, the S-400 Triumf air defence complex, and Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launchers.

For the first time, the parade presented unmanned aerial vehicles and loitering munitions, including the Orlan, Lancet, Garpiya and Geran drones.

The parade concluded with the renowned Kubinka Diamond formation of Su-30 and MiG-29 fighter jets from the Russkiye Vityazi (Russian Knights) and Strizhi (Swifts) aerobatic teams. Closing the flyover, Su-25 attack aircraft painted the sky in the colours of the Russian national flag.

The music accompaniment for the parade was provided by the combined military orchestra of the Moscow Garrison.

* * *

Speech by the President of Russia at the military parade

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Citizens of Russia,

Veterans, guests,

Comrade soldiers and sailors, sergeants and sergeant majors, midshipmen and warrant officers,

Comrade officers, generals and admirals,

I congratulate you on the 80^th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War!

Today, we are all united by the feelings of joy and grief, pride and gratitude, and admiration for the generation that crushed Nazism and won freedom and peace for all humanity at the cost of millions of lives.

We faithfully preserve the memory of those historic, glorious events. As the heirs of the victors, today we celebrate Victory Day as the most important holiday for the country, which the entire nation, each family, each of us holds dear.

Our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers saved the Fatherland. And they bequeathed us to defend the Motherland, to stay united and firmly defend our national interests, our thousand-year history, culture and traditional values – everything that is dear to us, that is sacred to us.

We remember the lessons of World War II and will never agree with the distortion of those events or attempts to justify the murderers and slander the true victors.

Our duty is to defend the honour of the Red Army soldiers and commanders, and the heroism of fighters of different ethnic backgrounds who will forever remain Russian soldiers in world history.

Russia has been and will continue to be an indestructible obstacle to Nazism, Russophobia and anti-Semitism, and will stand in the way of the violence perpetrated by the champions of these aggressive and destructive ideas.

Truth and justice are on our side. The whole of Russia, our society and all people support the participants in the special military operation. We are proud of their courage and spirit, and their steely determination that has always brought us victory.

Friends,

The Soviet Union bore the brunt of the enemy’s most savage and relentless assaults. Millions of people, once devoted solely to peaceful labour, took up arms and stood firm to the death on every hill, bridgehead, and defensive line. The outcome of the Second World War was determined by decisive victories in major battles of Moscow and Stalingrad, on the Kursk Bulge and the Dnieper River, by the courage of the defenders of Belarus, who were the first to face the invader, by staunch resistance at the Brest Fortress and in Mogilev, Odessa, Sevastopol, Murmansk, Tula and Smolensk, by the heroism of the residents of besieged Leningrad, by the bravery of all those who fought on the front lines, in partisan units, and in the underground resistance, as well as by the selfless efforts of those who evacuated plants and factories under enemy fire, and who worked on the home front, giving everything they had, working to the limits of their ability.

The Nazis’ plans to conquer the Soviet Union were shattered by the unshakable unity of the nation. The heroism of the Soviet people was common, and every republic shouldered the shared, immense burden of war.

The contribution of the peoples of Central Asia and the South Caucasus was immense. From these regions came a steady flow of trains delivering everything the front needed. Hospitals were established, and hundreds of thousands of evacuees found a second home there. They were offered shelter, food, and heartfelt compassion.

We honour every veteran of the Great Patriotic War and bow our heads in remembrance of all who gave their lives for Victory, the sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, loved ones, and friends.

We bow our heads before our fallen comrades-in-arms who laid down their lives as heroes in a righteous battle for Russia.

Let us now observe a moment of silence.

(A moment of silence.)

Friends,

Nearly 80 percent of the world’s population were drawn into the fiery orbit of World War II.

The complete defeat of Nazi Germany, militarist Japan and their satellites around the world was achieved through the combined efforts of the Allied Nations.

We will never forget that the opening of the Second Front in Europe, which took place after the decisive battles in the territory of the Soviet Union, hastened Victory. We highly appreciate the contribution made to our common struggle by the Allied armies, members of the Resistance, the courageous people of China, and all those who fought for a peaceful future.

Friends,

We will continue to look up to our veterans, taking example from their wholehearted love of the Motherland and commitment to defending our homeland and the values of humanism and justice. We will give these traditions and this great heritage the biggest place in our hearts and will pass them on to future generations.

We will always rely on our unity in battle and in peaceful endeavours, in striving for strategic goals and tackling problems for the benefit of Russia and its greatness and prosperity.

Glory to the victorious nation!

Happy holiday!

Happy Victory Day!

Hurrah!

Ceremony for presenting Presidential prizes to young culture professionals and for writing and art for children

2025-03-25T20:18:52+04:00

On Cultural Worker’s Day, a ceremony for presenting the 2024 Presidential Prize for Young Culture Professionals and the 2024 Presidential Prize for Writing and Art for Children and Young People was held in the Kremlin’s St Catherine Hall.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, friends,

I would like to offer you and your colleagues my heartfelt congratulations on Cultural Worker’s Day: writers and musicians, painters and artists, architects, and people working in theatres, museums and libraries. This holiday has been instituted as a sign of deep respect to all those working in this sector, whose achievements affirm the continued significance of traditions and values that are at the heart of our national culture, representing its very essence and meaning.

Our national culture promotes humanistic and moral ideals which serve as an unbreakable cross-generational bond for educators and creators. This is why we have a single ceremony for honouring both prominent and young masters of art, those who have been working for many years, creating works for children and youth, as well as those who have won recognition from the first steps they made in art.

Among them is Renata Shakirova, a principal dancer with the Mariinsky Theatre. Her skill is the embodiments in a dance of a bright artistic talent and the traditions of the renowned St Petersburg ballet school. Renata has been brilliantly performing the most challenging roles in classic and contemporary choreographic pieces and has been recognised by her colleagues and numerous ballet lovers.

Ivan Nikiforchin has been excelling in his art and demonstrating his sense of style since he was a student. An outstanding conductor, he created a chamber orchestra and a choir, which are now among the best performance groups in Russia. He also became the youngest faculty member at the Opera and Symphonic Conducting Department of the Moscow State Conservatory and had been deservedly put at the helm of the Moscow State Academic Symphony Orchestra.

Alexei Kapustin, Director at the Centre for Classical and Traditional Architecture, won the prize for young culture professionals. He focuses on preserving and rebuilding historical neighbourhoods in Russian cities and monasteries. His family has been a major inspiration for his success and his dedication. Alexei Kapustin was born into a family of architects and represents its fourth generation.

This year’s winners of the prize for writing and art for children and young people have made an invaluable contribution to the upbringing and development of the young citizens of Russia.

Director of the Prospect Publishing House Leonid Rozhnikov has created a series titled Book In a Book, where works by classical Russian writers are complemented with detailed illustrated comments that are easy to read and interesting to young people, to our rising generation. Leonid Rozhnikov also used an unusual method of presentation in his two-volume book titled The History of Russia for Children and Adults.

Book illustrations are the life’s work for Olga Ionaitis. She has illustrated over 150 books, and all of them are both beautiful and highly professional. Olga’s works seamlessly fit the authors’ ideas and are in tune with children’s delicate feelings and taste.

I am delighted to see the creative leaders of the Loktev Song and Dance Ensemble among the prize winners, including choreographer Marina Yegorova, choral conductor Anna Averyanenko, and artistic director Leonid Fradkin.

Leading a legendary ensemble like this is a huge responsibility. Friends, you are doing your job brilliantly. The Loktev Ensemble has always been a big and tight-knit family and an outstanding school of self-fulfilment for young talents who are proud of and treasure the status of being its members.

The ability to preserve traditions, making them resonate and giving them a new meaning is a gift that sets apart any truly creative and talented person. And each of you who are present in this hall fully belongs among such people. You are the ones who ensure continuity and bridge the generational divides, fill the cultural space with the light of your inspiration and creativity, serve as role models by setting the highest standards in terms of your professionalism and integrity by fulfilling your calling and civic duty, and of course you deserve this kind of high recognition from the state and society alike.

I sincerely congratulate you on winning these prizes and wish you every success in your future endeavours.

All the best.

(The ceremony for presenting the prize winner badges.)

<…>

Vladimir Putin: Friends,

Once again my congratulations on these awards and on the well-deserved prizes.

I have noted that a winner here said that his teachers have worked profoundly on his creative personality – in cases like this, people usually speak about their mentors and those who made them what they are now and helped them achieve their goals. But afterwards, as has also been mentioned, you work just as profoundly, friends, as engineers of human souls, for us all to grow, become creative, authentic and interesting people and patriots. This has also been said.

I would also like to thank you for this and wish you all the best and new successes. Thank you for everything you have done. I hope that even more is to come.

Thank you very much. Congratulations.

Award ceremony honouring Heroes of Russia

2025-02-24T10:17:06+04:00

A ceremony for presenting state decorations to officers of the Defence Ministry and the Russian National Guard was held in the Kremlin.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, comrades,

I am happy to welcome you and would like to congratulate you on Defender of the Fatherland Day. This holiday has long symbolised deep respect for feats of arms and the legacy of our ancestors who fought for the Motherland.

On this day, we pay special tribute to our veterans, the front-line soldiers of the Great Patriotic War, and all those who have dedicated their lives to the Armed Forces and the vital mission of ensuring national security and protecting the rights, freedoms, and lives of our citizens. We honour our heroes, both those who stood before us and those who currently serve in active units.

The participants in the special military operation remain true to the noble traditions of our fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers. With unwavering courage, they, you stand guard over Russia, bravely fighting for truth and justice, for peace, and for the future of our people.

Today, here in the Kremlin, we honour people of exceptional valour, loyalty, and integrity. It is a great privilege to congratulate you on your well-earned recognition, to present orders to you, and to bestow upon you the Gold Stars of Heroes of the Russian Federation.

Each of you has rightfully earned this high honour. Your service involves carrying out complex combat missions, leading our troops through the most challenging frontiers and strategic directions. It is associated with enormous risks and demands immense responsibility, not only for the units under your command but also for your comrades-in-arms and the civilians in our cities and villages.

Among you are soldiers and officers who have been on duty since the very first days and months of the special military operation. Here are commanders of assault groups and special units, National Guard officers, drone operators, sappers, and scouts. You face extraordinary trials with dignity, demonstrating exceptional professionalism, bravery, and true patriotism.

I extend my gratitude to you and all your comrades. Thanks to your dedication, we continue to achieve our goals. The nation takes great pride in your heroism and your invaluable contribution to the defence of the Fatherland. Thank you for your valour, commitment, unwavering sense of duty, and love for our country.

Congratulations on being honoured with the high title of the Hero of Russia. I wish you continued success in your service.

Please extend my heartfelt gratitude and support to your families, loved ones, and friends.

Wishing you good health, all the best, and good luck.

Congratulations.

(The ceremony begins.)

Vladimir Putin: Comrades,

Once again, congratulations on Defender of the Fatherland Day, and on your state decorations. As I presented the decorations, Peter the Great and the other leaders of the Russian state looked upon us. Under their command, our ancestors fought and achieved outstanding results, with brilliant victories in the name of the Fatherland. We rely on the legacy of our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers.

I want to tell you that you are their strong successors. Thank you on behalf of the Russian nation and on behalf of Russia for your military service and your heroism. Congratulations on these state decorations and happy Defender of the Fatherland Day. My best wishes.

<…>

Vladimir Putin: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. How many unknown soldiers there have been, nobody even knows. Thanks to their efforts, courage and extremely hard work at the front, we have Russia today. We protect it and we do it – you do it – diligently. Our fathers our ancestors would have been proud.

We fight for our Motherland, and we will do everything – I know you will – to pass it on to the future generations, our children and grandchildren.

It was at God’s will that this fate fell upon our shoulders to carry out such a challenging but honourable mission of defending Russia.

You know, I was surprised at reading certain words in the order to force a crossing of the Danube during one of our wars. It was the 19^th century, and the headquarters passed an order to force a crossing of the Danube. It was an extremely strenuous combat mission fraught with enormous risks. The order read: “Your regiment will have the immense honour of forcing a crossing of the Danube first and be the first to achieve victory over the enemy in a glorious battle.”

Those people risked their lives. Indeed, the section of the Danube to be force-crossed was challenging. The troops received the first orders, the Cross of St George. But the words chosen are noteworthy. “Your regiment will have the immense honour.”

We have the immense honour of defending Russia.

Ceremony to present state decorations

2024-12-12T21:20:45+04:00

The President presented the highest state decorations of the Russian Federation at the Kremlin’s St Catherine Hall.

The recipients of orders, medals and honorary titles included representatives of public and religious organisations, government officials, journalists, teachers and mentors, prominent actors and composers, as well as healthcare, industry and agriculture personnel.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues.

First, allow me to congratulate all of you and all the people of Russia on Constitution Day. Adopted by popular vote more than 30 years ago, it has largely defined Russia’s destiny, its statehood and offered a foundation for building our national legal framework, while also setting forth the key values and tenets which guide us as a society and a nation.

In its updated version, the Constitution included substantial amendments. They too expressed the will of millions of Russians who set our Fatherland on a clear path towards its development, outlined our shared aspirations and goals, the way we respond to the challenges of our time, and highlighted our readiness to defend our priorities, rights and freedoms, traditions and unique identity. We hold all these tenets as sacred and will always follow them.

Strong, courageous people who have been sincere, honest and diligent in accompanying these events have found themselves on the frontlines of these struggles. This is the way Yevgeny Poddubny has acted when making his reports. He has worked in the so-called hotspots many times, and I mean “hot” literally, since he risked his life and suffered severe, and I would like to emphasise the severity, wounds. Today, he is fulfilling his professional duties with honour and dignity in the special military operation zone. A true frontline correspondent, he receives the Hero of Russia title, which is happening for the first time in present-day Russian journalism.

I would like to thank all the members of the Russian media, including those who are in this room and those who are now on the frontline, in the cities of Donbass and Novorossiya at war, who are with the people in the Kursk and Belgorod regions, and in other regions of our vast and united country. Thank you for your work and for your impartial and unbiased reporting, and for believing in Russia.

Here in this room we have State Duma deputies, leaders of parliamentary parties and major socio-political groups, whose policymaking efforts, well-needed initiatives and projects determine our country’s development for years to come.

The Hero of Labour titles have been conferred on Gennady Zyuganov and Vladimir Resin, as well as the head of the Rostov Helicopter Plant Pyotr Motrenko. This aircraft building company makes an enormous contribution to ensuring Russia’s technological sovereignty. It manufactures helicopters that are in demand in military and civilian applications, and implements social programmes that are important for its employees. I would like to thank everyone working in Russia’s industry and agriculture, who help build up our research and manufacturing capabilities and ensure Russia’s food security.

I cannot fail to mention composer Alexandra Pakhmutova, who is truly the nation’s favourite. Mrs Pakhmutova, your songs are relatable and dear to millions of people of different generations. They bring us together. I would like to repeat once again: you are the nation’s melody. Alexandra Pakhmutova, too, was awarded the title of Hero of Labour of Russia.

Musician and composer Igor Krutoy, singer Nikolai Baskov and many other remarkable artists continue to carry on the best traditions of Russian pop music today.

Nikolai Tsiskaridze, a widely acclaimed ballet dancer, has also demonstrated impressive managerial and teaching talents. For more than ten years, he has been successfully heading the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet.

Fostering skilled professionals is an extremely difficult and painstaking job. This is not only about providing them with relevant knowledge and expertise. It is important to educate young people as good citizens, to provide them with moral guidelines, to instil a sense of duty and responsibility for the country in the younger generation. The education system plays a huge role here. I congratulate the representatives of our universities and other higher education providers on their state awards. School teachers also have an exceptional influence on the younger generations. Some of the teachers who are with us in this room today have brought up Heroes of Russia: fighters and volunteers who earned this high title by defending their homeland in the special military operation.

A better future for the country and its citizens’ well-being cannot be imagined without progress in medicine and incessant search for new opportunities, effective and timely treatment of patients. I would like to note prominent physicians, researchers and healthcare organisers – Andrei Kaprin and Konstantin Kotenko – who have devoted many years to this activity. I also congratulate Maryana Lysenko, a representative of the advanced school of Moscow medicine, on her award.

Friends,

Our country lives, works and grows, with your professional and creative achievements promoting this growth and changing life for the better. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you every success and new achievements. I congratulate you on your high state awards.

Thank you for your attention.

(Awarding ceremony.)

<…>

Vladimir Putin: Friends,

Allow me to say a few words as we conclude our ceremony.

One of the recipients, a doctor, remarked that medicine does not yet offer absolute protection against certain ailments – no body armour, as it were. Indeed, perhaps not yet, but we are making strides. As others have noted, many of the feats that once seemed implausible and fantastical are now becoming reality in practice, in daily life.

It is a profound honour for me to bestow these awards upon all of you, especially those who, I believe you will agree, have for decades epitomised our nation and achieved feats that we have all cherished and taken pride in. I am referring, for instance, to the work of Alexandra Pakhmutova, or our exceptional hockey players.

You know, my family was not particularly sporty, except for myself. I engaged in regular practice, but my parents, certainly not. Yet, Boris Mikhailov, a member of the USSR national hockey team, was my mother’s hero. Remarkable, isn’t it? I recall this now, and these are not just hollow words: it is a tremendous honour for me to award such individuals today here in the Moscow Kremlin.

Regarding protection, in terms of armour – our nation indeed possesses such armour. This armour is found in the character, courage, heroism, and unity of the people of the Russian Federation. You, undoubtedly, play a significant role in fortifying all the elements that propel our country forward.

Thank you ever so much. Congratulations to you all!

Presenting Gold Star medals to Heroes of Russia

2024-12-09T18:18:10+04:00

On Heroes of the Fatherland Day, a ceremony for presenting Gold Star medals to Heroes of Russia took place in the Grand Kremlin Palace’s St George Hall.

Over 300 military personnel and civilians who have displayed extraordinary courage and heroism have been invited to the ceremony. The participants include Heroes of the Soviet Union, Heroes of the Russian Federation, full cavaliers of the Order of Glory, and holders of the Order of St George.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, comrades, friends,

Today, on the Day of Heroes of the Fatherland, we honour all our fellow citizens who have performed outstanding deeds for the sake of our country and its future. These people have shown an example of selfless service to the Motherland through their work, actions, and military feats.

We pay tribute to all those who, across different times and eras, have defended the freedom and independence of our state and asserted our right to determine our own destiny. Here, under the arches of St George Hall, we keenly feel the strength of centuries-old traditions of military valour.

The names of the cavaliers of the Order of St George, the Order of Glory, and the Heroes of the Soviet Union and Russian Federation are eternally etched in the annals of our country’s victories and achievements. They are all united by their unwavering commitment to duty, whether military, civil, or personal, and their deep, selfless love for the Motherland.

We take pride in each of them: both those who lived before us and those who are our contemporaries.

We take pride in the courage of our soldiers fighting in the special military operation zone. Their resolve leaves no doubt that we will triumph, and that no-one will ever succeed in subjugating or overpowering Russia. Truth, the strength of our arms, and the resilience of our spirit are all on our side.

It is a great honour for me to present decorations to those who have been awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation today.

Through their actions on the frontline and in the most difficult areas, they displayed valour, high skills, and exceptional personal qualities; they strongly retaliated against the adversary, saving and protecting their brothers-in-arms despite their own injuries and continuing to lead.

Two decorations will be presented to the family members of Vladimir Gavrilenko and Mikhail Izbakiyev: heroes who gave their lives for the Fatherland. Eternal glory to them.

Friends,

Our military, including very young people, who have proved themselves worthy in battle, are brave and reliable people. They place service to the Fatherland and its interests above all. These qualities and solid core values are needed everywhere: both in military and civilian service.

We already have a special personnel training programme, The Time of Heroes, with more than 60 cavaliers of the Order of Courage, and 21 holders of the title of Hero of Russia taking part in the first flow.

We will certainly continue to rely on people like these. They are the true, genuine, and authentic elite and pride of the country.

The heroism of the warriors who protect the country’s vital interests serves as a moral guide for millions of our fellow citizens outside military service.

They work selflessly to achieve the goals set. These are employees of defence enterprises, economic sectors, science, culture, and the social sphere. Scientists, designers, engineers, and workers provide reliable reserves for the security and technological sovereignty of the state. Millions of people in all regions of our vast country, each in their place, strive to contribute to the common cause. Everyone is united by the main value: love for their home country, involvement in its fate, and pride in Russia and its heroes.

Once again, we can see that no matter what hardships our Fatherland has to face, it always meets them with a united front, unity, and a strong will to win. This is part of our national character, which is passed down from generation to generation and will continue.

Happy holiday to you! Happy Heroes of the Fatherland Day!

<…>

Vladimir Putin: Comrades, friends,

Our Heroes, those who have received decorations, have spoken here about their military service and the service of their comrades-in-arms. Indeed, this service is hard, sometimes exhausting. No one knows this better than they do.

It is hard work. It is truly a special type of service and special work. In addition to being difficult and sometimes exhausting, it is also dangerous. Not everyone can make such a choice, such a conscious choice, and even if they do make this choice, no everyone can cope with it.

This is a special mission to defend one's Fatherland and one's people, without sparing oneself, one's health or one's life. Of course, such people have always, at all times enjoyed special respect in our country, in Russia. This has always been the case, and it remains the case today.

Please accept my heartfelt greetings on this holiday, Day of the Heroes of the Fatherland. I also extend my greetings to our comrades-in-arms, who are here with us today and have received these high decorations.

Happy holiday!

#WeAreTogether award ceremony

2024-12-06T10:44:21+04:00

On International Volunteer Day, the President took part in a ceremony for presenting the #WeAreTogether International Award.

The President awarded the 2024 Volunteer of the Year statuette to Maria Karpenko, the head of the Vtoraya ZhiZn (Second Life) volunteer movement, and the Order of Courage to Fyodor Gerashchenko, the head of the Archangel Tactical Training Centre.

Ahead of the ceremony, Vladimir Putin spoke with volunteers participating in the #WeAreTogether International Forum of Civil Participation.

As per tradition, the head of state also took part in the Russian national charity event, the New Year Tree of Wishes. The President chose three balloons bearing cards with New Year’s wishes from children who found themselves in a difficult life situation: 10-year-old Margarita Rutsinskaya from the Belgorod Region dreams of being a pilot on a flight simulator; 15-year-old Arina Porkhal from the Donetsk People’s Republic wants to visit St Petersburg; and 12-year-old Taisiya Leonova from the Moscow Region dreams of attending a rehearsal of the Igor Moiseyev Folk Dance Ensemble.

* * *

Speech at #WeAreTogether International Award Ceremony

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, friends,

I am delighted to welcome you all in Moscow. We have only recently begun to celebrate this day – Volunteer Day. I was about to say “holiday,” but somehow the word “holiday” does not quite capture the essence of what you do, because it is well known that your work never stops: whether it is a holiday or just a weekday, you are always there, whenever and wherever your help is needed – thank you for that.

Since 2017, there have been significant, unmistakable changes in society. What do I mean by this? Two-thirds of our citizens are now involved in volunteering. When you reflect on this, a simple thought comes to mind: this is not something new, but rather a revival of the age-old traditions of the peoples of our country.

For centuries, mercy and support for those in need have always been at the heart of our people, across our vast Motherland. And the fact that young people are now carrying on this tradition is especially significant, all the more so as it means that the younger generation is inheriting from our ancestors – our grandfathers, grandmothers, great-grandfathers, and so on – a deeply important legacy. This strengthens our country from within.

I have also noticed that the people standing behind me today have themselves endured great trials in our new, or our historically old regions. They have faced difficult moments in their own lives and in the lives of their families, friends, and loved ones. And when the situation in our border regions became just as challenging, they went there to make use of their experience in providing assistance and support to others. You know, it is crucial that real help is provided, but equally important is the substance of these efforts, the help itself. It demonstrates that we are all part of one large, powerful, united family – and this unity is the key to all our successes, including on the frontlines.

It is delightful that you are doing this almost in all areas. Of course, supporting our military in the combat zone, on the line of battle engagement, is of special importance today. First, I know that this is dangerous and bow low in memory of those who gave their lives while performing their duty as volunteers. Unfortunately, this can happen during the work you are doing.

It is very important that your activities have a great impact on the attitude of society, including little children, towards the moral support of our military. As you know, these more than three million letters written by children and sent to the combat zone are kept by soldiers near their hearts. I was just told that little children send videos to support our guys at the front, but they also receive feedback from our soldiers, which is very good. Families should always be taken care of and never forgotten.

But you are doing much more. Our country is large. Like any large country, it has many issues and challenges that require attention and support from caring people like you. I mean ecology, help for homeless animals, and support and help for people who need medical care. Are there many issues like these? There is a flood of them. It is always very important for any person who needs support to feel that there are caring people around who are willing to offer help and support, to feel this elbow-to-elbow connection, as they say in the army. Therefore, it is crucial that you are doing this, inspiring hundreds of thousands, and maybe even millions of people with your work.

I know that this year, International Volunteer Day coincides with Volunteer Day that we mark within the Commonwealth of Independent States. I would like to greet all our CIS friends and colleagues. Soon, we will have an informal CIS summit, which has already become a tradition ahead of the New Year holidays. We will definitely discuss this topic and think together on what should be done to support your work and your efforts.

I was indeed surprised by the geography and the number of participants in the volunteer contest: there were 50,000 applications from 142 countries, including those in North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Many people took part in this contest. This goes to show that the noble mission you are carrying out knows no borders. This is what unites the entire world. I would like to thank you for this, too, and welcome all participants in this contest without exception.

Now, let us move on to the most important moment: award ceremony for the winners.

Thank you very much and good luck.

<…>

Vladimir Putin: In my speech, I have just addressed words of gratitude to those volunteers who risk their lives and health to provide assistance to others.

Fyodor is one of them. He has just recalled his loved ones who are waiting for him. This was the right thing to do, because, as I said many times, and you all understand this perfectly well, everything comes from the family.

From the first days of a person’s life, parents instill in their little child the fundamental principles on which his or her entire life will be based.

When I said that people risk their lives, I would also like to mention what happened to our award-winning hero. When on a mission to provide assistance, the three of them came under fire, and two of his comrades were killed, and he was seriously wounded.

Of course, Fyodor did the right thing recalling his family. I would like you to never forget those guys who are not here today, as well as their families. A deep bow to them.

It sounds very mundane at the level of the Government and the Russian regions, but still it is important. I want the families of Fyodor’s comrades, those guys with whom he performed his duty, to not be forgotten by either federal or regional authorities. Once again, I bow low to them. Sincere gratitude to all the people who perform their duty to our Fatherland.

I congratulate you on Volunteer Day. Thank you for your work and all the best.

Opening of infrastructure facilities in Moscow

2024-09-08T12:15:39+04:00

Vladimir Putin marked Moscow’s City Day by taking part via videoconference in the opening of several educational, cultural, and transport facilities in Moscow.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Mayor of Moscow Sergei Sobyanin.

The new campus of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University is located in the immediate proximity to the university’s historic buildings on the Yauza. Specifically, it comprises research and educational clusters, Quantum Park multifunctional complex with state-of-the-art laboratories, and dormitories. The campus has become the first facility of this kind in Russia to be built as part of the federal project Creating a Network of Advanced Campuses.

With the effort to create the Moscow cinema cluster already underway, the Moskino Cinema Park is expected to become one of its core elements. Its first stage has been completed: there are 18 filming grounds, four pavilions and six infrastructural facilities on its territory of 180 hectares. The cinema park will accept guided tours and hold special events in between filming sessions.

Troitskaya is a new, 16^th metro line on the city map. Launching its first 8.3-kilometre section with four stations – Novatorskaya, People’s Friendship University, Generala Tyuleneva and Tyutchevskaya – will improve transport services for more than 800,000 people and reduce the burden on the Kaluzhsko-Rizhskaya and Sokolnicheskaya metro lines, as well as on the adjacent street and road network: Leninsky Prospekt, Vernadsky Prospekt, Profsoyuznaya Street.

* * *

Mayor of Moscow Sergei Sobyanin: Mr President,

As usual, you are attending the opening of several sites and facilities on Moscow’s City Day.

One of such projects is the campus of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, a leading technical university that plays a pivotal role in ensuring the country’s technological independence.

In keeping with your instructions, we built the new campus in three years. Last year, we reported in your presence that six buildings out of 14 were completed. This year we launched the second stage.

What kind of buildings are they? They include the Nature Protection Technologies cluster, the Digital Materials Science cluster, the Digital Transformation cluster, the congress centre and innovation hub, the federal testing centre, the Quantum Park multifunctional complex, and a dormitory – or should I say a student palace with everything you need for living, for sports and for study. We have constructed a footbridge for the students to comfortably walk to teaching buildings. We are opening it today too.

If you do not mind, we will invite our colleagues to join this conversation so that they can report on the readiness of the new campus.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Yes, of course.

(Vladimir Yefimov, Head of Moscow Construction Complex, and Mikhail Gordin, Rector of the Moscow State Technical University, presented their reports on the new campus of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University.)

Vladimir Putin: I want to congratulate all the students, faculty members and professors on this remarkable occasion.

The Bauman University is almost 200 years old, right? On July 1, 1830, Tsar Nicholas I signed a decree establishing this institution, which grew into a major higher education institution in our country, and probably in the world as well. It evolved as one of the most important centres for training engineers.

A lot has been done for the Bauman University. I am very much looking forward for the Bauman University, like in previous years, to work effectively on delivering on the tasks that our country is facing.

You have invited me to visit the university. I will do it with pleasure as soon as I get this opportunity. Moreover, the institutions like the Bauman University– just as Mr Sobyanin was telling me on the way here –can be counted on the fingers of one hand around the world.

This is, naturally, a great achievement in strengthening our position in this most important and promising area of activity, because science and education are major economic growth drivers, just as we have been saying all along. The factor of science and education will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role.

Congratulations! I wish you all the best and every success.

Sergei Sobyanin: Mr President, there is one more project from a different sector which stands out among city projects. We are talking about the film industry.

In recent years, the Russian cinema industry has increased the scale of both filming and distribution many times over. If you remember, two-thirds of the films on our screens were foreign films, and today we have two-thirds of Russian films on our screens. Of course, this a major breakthrough.

On the other hand, making so many movies requires a new film industry, new platforms – high-tech, state-of-the-art, world-class.

On your instructions, we in Moscow – given that it is a leading city where a huge amount of content is produced and tens of thousands of people work in the film industry – are implementing a project called the Moscow Film Cluster, which includes the Gorky Film Studio. You issued an instruction to hand it over to the Moscow Government.

We are using two old platforms to implement a large construction and renovation programme. We have added another platform under the aegis of the Gorky Studio, which is much larger than the historic platforms. This studio used to have a floor space of just 22,000 square metres, but today there are already 53,000, and there will be 445,000 down the road. Building all this is expected to take three or four years. I am certain that we will fulfil these plans.

Moskino cinema park is a key infrastructure project. It provides for creating filming locations. In fact, this project can be traced all the way back to 1938 when Stalin received a proposal to build a big platform of this kind, similar to what we are doing today. Thе cinema industry was rapidly developing at that time, and it was called to deliver on formidable tasks, but the war upended these plans.

Vladimir Putin: They competed against Hollywood.

Sergei Sobyanin: You are absolutely right. They were in fact competing against Hollywood. This is what we are doing today too. Our goal is to create a world-class facility. Today, this is one of the world’s best sites among film sets, their number and quality.

This is just the first stage, and there will be two more construction stages, one scheduled to be completed in 2027, and the other in 2030. Today, there are 18 filming locations, and there will be 20 more in the project’s second stage, and 26 for stage three. Overall, this will be a very big filming studio, and it enjoys very high demand.

Over the past year, this platform served about fifty cinema projects of all kinds here. Just to give you an idea of what I am talking about, let me mention the Red Square for the Peter I project. It was shot here. There is also the film titled GDP – the German Democratic Republic. They shot it here and it has already been released. Then there is the film titled Olga of Kiev. The historical buildings and views were shot here, and the filming of this period drama continues.

There are also many war films, including War and Music. Moskino built defensive structures for producing films about the two world wars and the special military operation. Its latest projects included building a guerilla camp and it looks quite natural. In fact, many films dealing with military-related topics were shot here. This is a war-time film in a cityscape, in old Moscow. This is another project underway at Moskino. There is also the Heart’s Calling, a patriotic film.

Yuzovka is an interesting location. This project is devoted the history of Donbass from its origins to the present. The filming is underway. Moskino recreated a railway station and an airport for this project. These pavilions have become a hit among Moskino customers.

There is also an interesting project for Vladivostok, a city in Russia’s Far East. I am talking about filming Arsenyev. The filming is in full swing, and the location they chose for it is quite interesting. There are several other projects too.

(Sergei Sobyanin went on to give the floor to Natalia Sergunina, who oversees the project to create this cinema park. She talked about the project’s progress, followed by Channel One CEO, television and cinema producer Konstantin Ernst, and film director Igor Ugolnikov. Artistic Director of the State Theatre of Nations, theatre and cinema actor Yevgeny Mironov asked the President to declare the Moskino cinema park’s first stage open by saying the words – Camera, Action, which have been commonplace among professional cinematographers.

Vladimir Putin: Camera, action!

Mr Sobyanin has told me a great deal about this project. It goes without saying that this is a landmark project, and a very interesting one too. In addition to this, I have been informed that there are people specialising in making products they concocted here in Russia. They have been very popular and enjoyed a lot of demand across the country.

As far as I know, Russian films have succeeded in increasing their availability in the box office. It goes without saying that we are very happy about it. This is something that matters for this interesting and creative sector, as well as in terms of content. In fact, our filmmakers focus on our history and what brought us here, making us who we are, and how our country became what it is today. After all, we are not dealing with foreign producers here. Of course, there are very talented, interesting and creative people overseas too. However, they can hardly demonstrate the same kind of awareness and insight when it comes to dealing with our history, our spiritual values, while Russian cultural figures are much better at dealing with tasks of this kind.

As far as I understand, Moskino offers Moscow residents and guests to visit this park and discover the filmmaking process. Therefore, there is no doubt that this park will attract a lot of tourists. I am certain about this, since everyone is eager to discover the world of cinema from within in order to understand the filmmaking process. I strongly believe that this will be the case.

Of course, I was impressed by what you and Mr Sobyanin said regarding the development plans. In fact, this site can well become and will probably become one of the most revered, respected and one of the biggest and the most effective film studios in the world. This is the goal the Mayor has set, and the Government supported this vision. This is how we will proceed.

By the way, the Sobornaya Square location does look very natural here. Let me note that whenever you have a film sets in this location, you can reach out to us directly, and we will help you. We can always make some room for you and use less space, if you need it. We can reallocate the funds you spend on recreating buildings that still exist and use this money for renovating the Kremlin.

Of course, you are the ones calling the shots here. You know better how to work on these matters. However, please keep in mind that we are ready to support you not only by investing municipal or federal funds in the projects designed to make these plans a reality, but also by working with you.

Please accept my congratulations and my best wishes.

Sergei Sobyanin: In addition to such complex locations, we have created a special filming platform, where any directors, producers, who want to make a film, can come, and we prepare shooting locations in the city in advance: on streets, squares, in parks, and so on. That is, this segment has not been forgotten either. You are absolutely right, not everything has to be built, not everything has to be filmed using artificial set-ups – there are a huge number of films being shot on the streets of the city. We streamlined this procedure as much as possible, so that it would be, as people say nowadays, customer-orientated. And now dozens of projects are shot on the streets. But since you are inviting filmmakers to the Kremlin, I think that my colleagues will also be happy to do so.

Thank you, friends.

By the way, I must say that the Cinema Park was visited by people from about 50 countries already, four countries entered into agreements to carry out joint undertakings on this platform. I hope that it emerges as a platform for undertaking on only Russian, but also international projects.

Vladimir Putin: It will of course be so; they will use it.

Sergei Sobyanin: Thank you, friends.

Vladimir Putin: I congratulate you.

Sergei Sobyanin: And there is also a traditional issue related to urban construction: development of the transport system, Mr President. You are well aware of all the stages of its development, we have already built 119 metro stations and the Moscow Central Ring, increased the length of the metro 1.8 times, and built the Moscow Central Diameters. Today, the Moscow Central Ring has 156 million trips a year, the Moscow Central Diameter had 513 million trips last year, and the Big Circle Line, which we opened on City Day last year, had 348 million trips a year, which are huge amounts.

But nevertheless, there is a demand for transport infrastructure development, the city is developing, so we continue to implement major projects. One of such projects is the construction of the Troitsk metro line, 43 kilometres, 17 stations, it goes from ZIL, from the middle part of Moscow, the Moscow Central Ring, crosses the Big Circle Line and goes all the way to the science city of Troitsk.

Vladimir Putin: Is the ZIL territory being developed too?

Sergei Sobyanin: Yes, the ZIL territory is also being renovated. You know, there are essentially abandoned workshops there, and we have tried many times to approach and restore them, but nothing has worked. As a result, we had to come up with (I think, maybe it’s for the best) a comprehensive development project. Before the renovation, about a thousand people used to work there, and these people mostly being created on the ZIL territory, on this site, so this project goes far beyond building housing and helps create new jobs.

We have gone to great lengths to develop new Moscow territories. We wanted to strike a balance between housing and jobs, so that instead of simply building residential neighbourhoods, these districts take on an important role in the city’s economy.

Today, we are ready to launch the first section of a new metro line. It includes several stations: Novatorskaya, People’s Friendship University, Generala Tyuleneva, and Tyutchevskaya. About 800,000 people live close to these stations. We intend to complete this line in several stages.

(Mosinzhproyekt CEO, Sergei Zhukov, reported on building the Troitskaya metro line. It is the 16^th metro line in Moscow which will be over 43 kilometres long and include 17 stations.)

Vladimir Putin: Friends, first, I would like to congratulate the people of Moscow, including those of them who will use this line. It goes without saying that it will change their lives, and we understand this very well. Moscow has made great strides in expanding its metro network, and the credit for these efforts goes to those who work in this sector. It plays a pivotal role in the municipal economy.

As I congratulate the people of Moscow, I cannot fail to express my gratitude to those who have made all this a reality, primarily metro construction workers and all those working in this sector which has so much importance for Moscow.

I would like to wish you every success in your future undertakings. I do know that this is just the first section of this line, just as Mr Sobyanin has reported, and that there will be more sections down the road. Is that so?

Sergei Sobyanin: Indeed, it will be 43 kilometres long.

Vladimir Putin: A distance of 43 kilometres – this is what people dream about when creating families and settling in these districts. I would like to wish you every success in your future undertakings. Thank you. Happy City Day!

Everything you do has its own meaning and importance, just as we have been saying.

The Bauman University Rector and the Moscow Mayor have mentioned the dormitory. Mr Sobyanin went as far as claim that it was more than just a student dorm, since it is part of a state-of-the-art campus. This is a very important point. As far as I know, and if I am not mistaken – and the rector is here to check me, 60 percent of first-year students come from outside Moscow. Is that so?

Moscow State Technical University Rector Mikhail Gordin: Yes.

Vladimir Putin: It is essential that young people benefit from cutting-edge facilities for a better educational process. This goes far beyond simply offering them accommodation. And all this matters.

All this matters for every citizen of Russia, including for our cultural figures, especially when they can work in a favourable environment for making quality products.

It is instrumental for Moscow and those who come here that we develop the city’s transport infrastructure. It goes without saying that the metro forms its backbone.

Let me offer you my congratulations on City Day and wish you every success. Thank you very much.

Sergei Sobyanin: Mr President, on behalf of Moscow residents and on my personal behalf, I would like to congratulate you on Moscow City Day. Thank you so much for your support.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you for your efforts.

Sergei Sobyanin: Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Goodbye.

Vladimir Putin has been sworn in as President of Russia

2024-05-07T15:09:00+04:00

Vladimir Putin has been inaugurated as President of Russia in a ceremony that took place at the Kremlin.

The ceremony opened as the National Flag, the President’s Standard, the Russian Constitution and the President’s Badge were brought into St Andrew’s Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.

In accordance with Article 82 of the Russian Constitution, Vladimir Putin took the oath to the people of Russia in the presence of Federation Council members, members of the State Duma and judges of the Russian Constitutional Court. Constitutional Court President Valery Zorkin officially declared Vladimir Putin as the new President of the Russian Federation.

Afterwards, Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia and the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces, reviewed the Presidential Regiment on Cathedral Square to mark his inauguration. The President congratulated the Presidential Regiment on its 88^th anniversary.

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia held a thanksgiving service at the Annunciation Cathedral in the Kremlin.

* * *

Speech at the inauguration ceremony as President of Russia

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Citizens of Russia, ladies and gentlemen, friends,

In these solemn and crucial moments of assuming the office of the President, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the citizens of Russia across all regions of our country, as well as those living in the historical territories of Russia who have won their right to stand united with our Motherland.

I humbly honour our heroes, the participants in the special military operation, and all those who are fighting for our Fatherland.

I would like to thank you again for the trust you have placed in me and for your unwavering support. These words are directed to every citizen of Russia.

I have just taken the oath of office of the president. The words I spoke convey the essence of the supreme mission of the head of state: to protect Russia and serve the nation.

I understand that this is a tremendous honour, a major responsibility and a sacred duty. These have always been the guiding principles of my work in the past. I assure you that the interests and security of the people of Russia will continue to be my foremost concern.

The consolidated will of millions of people is a tremendous force, as well as evidence of our shared firm conviction that we will determine the fate of Russia ourselves, and only ourselves, for the sake of present and future generations.

You, the citizens of Russia, have confirmed that the country is on the right course. This is of great importance right now, as we face serious challenges. I see this as your deep awareness of our common historical goals, and unwavering resolve to defend our choices, our values, our freedom and Russia’s national interests.

I am confident that we will pass through this difficult pivotal period with dignity and emerge even stronger. We will undoubtedly accomplish everything we have planned for the long term, all the far-reaching projects aimed at achieving our development goals.

Our top priority is the preservation of the people. I am confident that the support of centuries-old family values and traditions will continue to unite public and religious associations, political parties, and all levels of government.

Our decisions regarding the development of the country and its regions must be effective and fair and must promote the prosperity of Russian families and improve their quality of life.

We have been and will continue to be open to strengthening good relations with all countries that view Russia as a reliable and honest partner. Indeed, those constitute the global majority.

We are not rejecting dialogue with Western states. The choice is theirs: whether they intend to continue trying to contain Russia’s development, continue the policy of aggression, the relentless pressure they have been exerting on our country for years, or seek a path to cooperation and peace.

To reiterate, we are open to talks, including on security and strategic stability, but not to negotiations from a position of strength. We are open to a conversation without arrogance, conceit or exceptionalism – a dialogue on an equal footing and with respect for each other’s interests.

Together with our partners in Eurasian integration and other sovereign development centres, we will continue to build a multipolar world and an equal and indivisible security system.

In this complex, rapidly-changing world, we must strive to be self-sufficient and competitive, opening up new horizons for Russia, as we have done many times throughout our history.

But we must also remember its lessons and never forget about the enormous price we paid for internal unrest and troubles. Therefore, our state and socio-political system must be strong and resistant to any threats and challenges, ensuring the progressive and stable development, as well as the unity and independence of our country.

However, stability is not equal to inflexibility. Our state and social systems must be flexible, creating conditions for renewal and progress.

We can see that the atmosphere in society has changed, and how much we now value reliability, responsibility, sincerity, integrity, generosity and courage. I will do everything in my power to ensure that those who have displayed these admirable human and professional traits, and who have proved their loyalty to the Fatherland through their deeds, achieve leading positions in state governance, the economy and all other spheres.

We must ensure reliable continuity in the development of our country for decades to come and bring up new generations who will strengthen Russia’s might and develop our state based on interethnic accord, the preservation of the traditions of all ethnic groups living in Russia, a civilisational nation united by the Russian language and our multi-ethnic culture.

Friends,

I will do everything its takes, everything I can, to justify your confidence in me, using the powers granted to me as the head of state by the Constitution. At the same time, I would like to emphasise that the success of this endeavour depend above all on our unity, integrity and our desire to serve our Fatherland, protect it, and work to the best of our abilities.

Today, we must answer to our thousand-year-long history and our predecessors. They attained seemingly insurmountable heights because they always put the country first. They knew that truly challenging goals can only be achieved together with the country and its people, and they created a great power, our Fatherland, leaving a legacy of glorious achievements from which we continue to draw inspiration today.

We look forward with confidence and plan our future by outlining and already carrying out new projects and programmes, which are designed to inject even more momentum in our development effort and make it even stronger.

We stand as a united and great nation. Together we will overcome all obstacles and ensure that everything we conceive becomes reality. Together we win!

Presenting presidential prizes for young culture professionals and for writing and art for children

2024-03-26T22:15:54+04:00

A ceremony to present the 2023 Presidential prizes for young culture professional and for wiring and art for children and young people took place in the Kremlin’s St Catherine Hall.

The ceremony was timed to Cultural Worker’s Day marked on March 25.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, friends, winners,

Yesterday, we marked Cultural Worker’s Day. One of the traditions is the awards ceremony for writing for children and prizes for young culture professionals.

I would like to emphasise that culture and its spiritual, ethical, and moral values become increasing important in today’s difficult, tragic times.

It is crucial for us to rely on these values of creativity, humanism, and mercy now as we go through hard times reliving the events of last Friday. They are bringing us together in our support for all the victims and in our resolve to be strong and united.

The clear-cut, unequivocal position of those who serve culture is playing an enormous role in this respect.

Today your message and opinion, your creative work itself directly affects how people feel and strengthens their patriotic sentiment. You preserve and enrich the knowledge and traditions of Russian culture, its continuity, and make an exceptional contribution to educating and molding the rising generations. In fact, you shape Russia’s future.

It is particularly valuable when great, highly praised masters become mentors for children and young people. One of them is the brilliant and world-famous vocalist Nikolai Didenko. The Bely Parokhod (White Steamship) foundation he established almost 20 years ago opens up new horizons for gifted children with disabilities and reveals the talents of children in difficult circumstances. Mr Didenko, thank you for this important project. I wish your foundation and its mentees great success.

Marina Leonova also devoted herself to the new generations of creators. A guardian of traditions of the great Russian ballet school, not only does she train future dancing stars but she also raises compassionate, caring, and responsible people. The Moscow Academy of Choreography that you head is famous for its educational and socially important initiatives – charity concerts and volunteer actions.

Director of the Ryazan State Regional Puppet Theatre Konstantin Kirillov is also distinguished for his diverse and broad interests. Under his guidance, the theatre has become one of the world leaders in this kind of visual art. This has become a venue where traditions are cherished while innovations and creative experiments are always welcome. It hosts the oldest and largest international festival of puppet theatres and has a successful laboratory for young artists.

It is important that our celebrated masters have worthy successors. Clear proof of this is the achievements of today’s prizewinners for young culture professionals. The outstanding traditions of Russian realism continue through painter Alexei Kryukov. He is an icon, portrait, and landscape painter, who created an entire gallery of canvases and frescoes that draw the viewer back to our spiritual origins, to the greatness and valour of military duty and defence of the Fatherland.

Celloist Alexander Ramm has become one of the most famous and popular musicians in today’s Russia. He is a true virtuoso with a wide repertoire, and his talent invariably captivates the audiences of the best concert venues. But he considers the most important thing to be his tours in Russia, the opportunity to make philharmonic art accessible to people in the most remote corners of the country.

Preserving the heritage of the peoples of Russia is another mission which is essential for our multi-ethnic country and our entire society. Mengi Ondar, who is both a teacher and a scientist, has excelled in this field. She collects, studies, and actively promotes the original folklore of her native land, Tuva, making a great contribution to conserving and developing the ethnic and cultural diversity of our Fatherland.

Friends,

Your art, your educational activities fill the cultural space of Russia with the energy of true creativity, inspiration, and humanism. You add a new, expressive touch to our most important traditional values: spiritual and moral ideals, historical memory, love for the Fatherland and responsibility for its fate. Thank you for your dedicated service to your cause and the great culture of Russia. And, of course, congratulations on winning these prizes. I wish you further creative success, new heights and achievements. Congratulations.

Ceremony for presenting the winners’ badges.

<…>

Vladimir Putin: Friends, winners,

Once again, congratulations on your awards today.

This is a very good nomination as we thank for the work, congratulate and decorate people working for the youth and children, and at the same time we decorate those who have just become outstanding figures of our art and have already achieved results, while at the same time, as one of the winners has said, they are ready, as young culture professionals, to move on and share their knowledge with children, with the next generations.

This is an endless river of creativity, a river of talent that fills the hearts of the peoples of the Russian Federation, the soul of the peoples of Russia, making them invincible, standing strong and looking to the future. All this is thanks to you, because art reflects the state of the soul and supports it from the inside.

Thank you very much. Congratulations.

Plenary session of Everything for Victory! forum

2024-02-03T18:45:25+04:00

Vladimir Putin addressed the plenary session of the Everything for Victory! forum and presented the Order for Valiant Labour to the staff of the Alexander Ganichev NPO SPLAV Group. The ceremony took place at the Tula Kremlin.

Before the plenary session, the President met with Everything for Victory! forum activists of various professional backgrounds who gathered in Tula to discuss ways to support the special military operation.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends!

I am delighted to welcome the participants and guests of the Everything for Victory! forum.

The city of Tula, which is one of Russia’s historical arms manufacturing centres, has brought together representatives of our defence plants, public organisations, as well as entrepreneurs, doctors, frontline reporters and volunteers – everyone now carrying out the most complicated, unconventional and often dangerous missions. They are putting in enormous efforts to supply effective modern weapons and equipment to the front, to build fortification lines, and provide soldiers with protective equipment. They are inventing new means of electronic warfare and, in general, supplying our fighters with everything they need in combat conditions.

They put their whole hearts into helping our men who are waging a sacred and just battle against the latest edition of neo-Nazism, fighting for Russia, for truth, for freedom, and for the future of our country.

At a recent meeting with the forum’s activists, we talked about the crucial role played by a strong home front, the sustainable operation of the defence industry and the economy in general, and the consolidation of society to strengthen the country’s defences and sovereignty.

I would like to once again thank Tula’s arms manufacturers and everyone engaged in creating a powerful and reliable “shield of the Motherland” for their intense, heroic efforts, without exaggeration, and for the worthy results they have achieved.

You have heard me say it before and I would like to say again that our defence enterprises, research institutes, and design bureaus achieved breakthrough results during the special military operation. I would even say, without any exaggeration, they have committed an outstanding feat of labour.

You – I am addressing all Russian defence companies’ employees – have proven that you are worthy descendants of our great forefathers, the workers of Kuzbass, Magnitka, Moscow, Tula, the Urals, Kazan, and besieged Leningrad. During the Great Patriotic War, in the most challenging circumstances, they won the industrial battle against Nazi Germany and, effectively, against the entirety of European industry which was then working in the service of Nazi Germany. Our entire country, our united people including children and old people, were behind the Victory of 1945.

Today is the Day of Military Glory of Russia. We mark the 81^st anniversary of the Nazi defeat in the Battle of Stalingrad. The heroes of this battle on the Volga River included engineers and workers from the Stalingrad Tractor Plant, and Krasny Oktyabr and Barrikady plants, among others. They were repairing tanks and armoured vehicles under a steady barrage of enemy fire and bombing. They continued to produce ammo until the fighting literally reached the factory floors.

You know, a fact that hits close to home as someone from Leningrad who was born in that city has come to my mind. At some of our plants, like the Putilovsky Plant, when the enemy approached the workshops, the workers would grab rifles or assault rifles and go fend off the attacks. After the enemy was repelled, they went back to their machines and resumed work. That is how they worked. Can anyone defeat a nation like that? Never.

Our defence plants are working in three shifts without interruption. Production of fundamentally new equipment is being launched. The output keeps growing day after day, week after week, month after month. Some numbers have grown not by percentages, but by multiples in just one year.

We have just spoken with your colleagues who are sitting in the front rows, and I have already provided these figures. I will repeat them now. But first, I would like to say once again to the workers of the defence industry: you have carried out the orders of the Motherland, and I thank you for that. You have not let down your comrades-in-arms, those who are currently fighting on the front lines, protecting Russia's borders and skies, keeping watch in the world's oceans, and ensuring the inviolability of our strategic nuclear missile potential.

I would like to note that since the beginning of the special military operation, there has been a significant increase in the delivery of various types of drones and artillery ammunition to the troops. In terms of individual armour protection, as I mentioned earlier, there has been a tenfold increase. For automotive equipment, the increase has been sevenfold. And for tanks, there has been a fivefold increase, which is quite impressive. For IFVs and armoured personnel carriers, the increase has been more than 3.5 times. All of these increases have been several-fold.

The state defence order is now practically 100 percent fulfilled. I am confident that we will maintain this high standard in the future, especially since the state defence order for 2024 has been significantly increased once again and, I would like to emphasise, is fully funded. I have no doubt that it will be successfully fulfilled.

I would like to highlight separately that today our strategic nuclear forces have been almost completely modernised, by 95 percent. Their maritime component has been almost 100 percent renewed. This provides a solid, reliable foundation for our strategic security. It is a reliable homefront, both literally and figuratively speaking. We will achieve the same level of success in equipping the army and navy with a full range of conventional weapons, including promising new-generation models. And we will definitely implement these plans together with you.

This will ensure that our enterprises and design bureaus have guaranteed contracts for years to come, allowing production facilities and assembly lines to be fully engaged, updated, expanded and modernised. Qualified personnel and talented young specialists will be in high demand.

Furthermore, the contribution of the defence industry will continue to grow, benefiting the development of the country as a whole, as well as our cities and regions. It will contribute to the implementation of strategic tasks aimed at revitalising the economy, transportation, industry, fuel and energy complex, social sphere and healthcare, and help boost high-tech exports.

According to the 2023 results, in the conditions of the special military operation, when the production of military equipment was prioritised – once again, I would like to return to our meeting with my colleagues who are sitting in the front row – the output of civilian equipment at defence industry enterprises increased by almost 30 percent, specifically 27 percent. The increased capacity of our enterprises enables us to successfully accomplish this task as well.

This is also important, if not the most important task. Our economy’s sectors now require new domestic machine tools, instruments, equipment, advanced materials, and the defence industry is capable of providing these at a mass production level.

In this regard, I would like to emphasise that during these challenging two years, one and a half years to be precise, not only has our military-industrial complex survived and shown its quality, but the entire economy has demonstrated stability. It withstood unprecedented external pressure and continues to develop confidently. As you know, there were predictions of recession, failure and collapse. There were claims that under the pressure of sanctions we would retreat, surrender and fall apart. I would like to make a well-known gesture, but I will not do it as there are many young women present here. Our opponents will not succeed. Meanwhile, our economy is growing, unlike their economies, and today it has become the largest in Europe, ranking number one in Europe. In terms of purchasing power parity and the volume of the economy, it has become the first in Europe and the fifth in the world. And this process will continue to gain momentum.

All our industrial enterprises, manufacturing industries and the construction sector contributed to this achievement, as did our engineers and scientists who provided original technological solutions within a short period of time. Agricultural workers have been achieving record harvests year after year, ensuring our self-sufficiency in all necessary basic foodstuffs. Workers in the social sphere also make a huge contribution to this work, including school teachers and university professors. As I mentioned earlier, when I recalled those who treated us differently: battles are won not only on the battlefields, but also by school teachers and priests. Education plays a vital role. Our teachers, school teachers and university professors make a huge contribution to the common cause of victory.

Additionally, our doctors, and nurses who work in all regions of our vast country play a crucial role. Just now, a medical worker from Donetsk shared with us the conditions under which they work there. What can we say? Both at that restricted format meeting and now, in front of a bigger audience, I want to say: all we can and must do is bow low to these people, who perform their duty, and who do it so courageously, so conscientiously in the harshest conditions imaginable. There is nothing more to add. (Applause.) They care for the sick, helping our wounded soldiers and officers.

The volunteer movement plays a major role in fostering unity and consolidation in our society today. I would like to sincerely thank all the citizens of our country, as well as the volunteer associations that support the front and help our fighters, including through the Popular Front: Everything for Victory! foundation. Thank you very much.

Someone has just said that the entire country, ordinary Russians, have contributed 1,000 rubles each. This amounts to a total of 11 billion rubles collected for the needs of the army, for the needs of the front. (Addressing Yelena Zubun, one of the forum activists participating in the meeting.) Eleven billion, right? That is what you said. A thousand rubles each. The entire country is involved.

With this money, we could purchase thousands of additional drones, radio stations, bulletproof vests, first-aid kits, and other essential items needed by soldiers on the frontline, and deliver them to combat units. But that is not even the point. Plants are boosting output, as we know; they are working hard. It is about this unity and determination to do everything for victory, everything for our men who are risking their lives on the frontline. This is what matters most. This is what will ensure our success. I have no doubt about it.

Such sincere support from people in different regions of our multinational country is truly invaluable. It boosts the morale of our fighters. They know that we believe in them and are eagerly awaiting their victory.

Friends,

The defeat of Nazism and the Great Victory provided us with an example of unwavering unity between the frontlines and the home front. Leading companies and entire cities were honoured with state awards for their heroic work during the Great Patriotic War.

We will undoubtedly cherish these traditions, our memories and our pride. It is symbolic that the cities of military glory and labour valour stand next to the hero cities [of the Great Patriotic War].

Today, I would like to inform you that Russia has established a new state award – the Order for Valiant Labour. It will be bestowed upon individual employees and teams for their significant achievements over many years.

In fact, the first Order for Valiant Labour will be awarded at this forum today, to the Tula NPO SPLAV company, a leading Russian developer and supplier of multiple launch rocket systems, the successors of the legendary Katyushas. These systems are now used as one of the main strike weapons in the special military operation. They include the famous Grad, Uragan, Smerch, Tornado, remote mining systems and heavy flamethrower systems – which are very effective – as well as dozens of types of rockets.

SPLAV is operating at full capacity and has significantly increased the output of its products. I would like to congratulate the staff on this well-deserved award.

In addition, I have signed an Executive Order amending the statutes of five Russian orders. These include the Order of Alexander Nevsky, the Order of Naval Merit, the Order of Honour, the Order of Pirogov, and the Order of Merit in Culture and Art, which will now be awarded to individuals or professional teams. These awards will be presented to cultural and healthcare institutions, defence plants and research centres for outstanding achievements and exceptional performance results.

I wish success to all the forum participants. I would like to thank all these united people, workers and volunteers for their support.

We are a united and consolidated nation. I have said this many times. We are self-confident and self-reliant. This is the key to our success and our victory.

(Award ceremony.)

General Director of the Alexander Ganichev NPO SPLAV Group Rinat Idrisov:Mr President,

On behalf of the entire NPO SPLAV team, which includes thousands of designers, technologists, workers and managers, I would like to thank you for the high recognition of our work.

It is a great honour and an equally high responsibility to be the first company to receive such a high award. I am confident that it is not only a recognition of our work, but also a recognition of all defence companies in the Tula Region. Tula is rightfully proud of being called the defence capital of Russia.

I also believe that it gives credit to the hundreds of our partner companies across Russia, which help SPLAV forge our Motherland’s shield and sword. We promise to continue our dedicated efforts to increase our country’s defence capabilities, and ensure that our army and navy have everything they need for victory.

Thank you very much.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you. Good luck to all of us. All the best. Once again, congratulations to the award recipients.

Opening the M-12 Vostok motorway

2023-12-21T20:57:38+04:00

Vladimir Putin took part, via videoconference, in the opening of the last sections of the M-12 Vostok motorway between Moscow and Kazan.

The 810-kilometre high-speed Moscow-Kazan motorway has been completed seven months ahead of schedule. Once opened, it will have positive impact on the socioeconomic situation in 12 regions, including by expanding the access routes network. The new motorway will make it possible to reach the capital of Tatarstan from Moscow in 6.5 hours, rather than 12 hours, as in the past.

The Moscow-Kazan-Yekaterinburg-Tyumen federal motorway, with a total length of 1,980 km, is one of the most important sections of the Rossiya international transport corridor. There are plans to extend the motorway to Yekaterinburg in 2024, and it is set to reach Tyumen in 2025.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, friends, good afternoon.

Today, we are taking another important step in extending the M-12 Vostok motorway, which will become part of the Eurasian transport route Rossiya.

As you know, we opened this motorway stage by stage, starting with the Moscow-Arzamas section in September 2023. The entire modern high-speed motorway between Moscow and Kazan, our largest business, tourism and cultural centres, is now complete. It will take about 6.5 hours to travel this route measuring over 800 km. This is almost half the time it took before.

Vehicle traffic in this direction will become more convenient and safer, which is just as important. Freight volumes will increase and become more cost-effective. Inbound tourism will develop more rapidly.

The route passes through the Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod and Vladimir regions, the Republic of Chuvashia and, of course, Tatarstan. This is certain to improve their investment climate, help create jobs and boost housing construction. It will also promote industrial, agricultural, logistics and service companies. This is what always happens when a road starts functioning: the regions around it begin to thrive.

I would like to thank all the workers, engineers and designers who took part in building this important transport route. I want to thank you for your tremendous work (I will speak about it a bit later) and, of course, for completing the construction project much faster than planned; this is also very important.

Never before have we completed an infrastructure project of this magnitude and complexity within such a tight timeline of just three years. This offers us a great example and sets an effective benchmark for the future, proving yet again that we can and are ready to build fast and to build more, all while building better. This includes social and industrial sites, housing, railways and other kinds of infrastructure. We need to pick up the pace, and our construction industry and the related sectors are ready for that.

I must say that the project to build this road included large-scale, technically sophisticated structures, such as the bridge over the Volga near Kazan, which is over 3 kilometres long. Moreover, as we have noted with our colleagues, locals will benefit from shorter commutes and even save money compared to the existing ferry crossing.

Let me share several important figures with you. We will have built, upgraded and brought up to standard over 31,000 kilometres of federal, regional and local roads across Russia by the end of this year. In the regions, including Donbass and Novorossiya, we laid over 188 million square metres of asphalt pavement. These are all record-high numbers which make a meaningful contribution to developing our national road network and improving the quality of life for our people.

I would like to emphasise that having reliable transport arteries is a matter of principle and has strategic importance for Russia. This is why we all agree that our road construction plans must be carried out in full.

These priorities include developing the Vostok motorway onwards by extending it to Yekaterinburg and Tyumen, and building bypass roads around Tyumen, Omsk, Novosibirsk, Kemerovo and Kansk.

We must pay special attention to removing bottlenecks along the Rossiya road in Russia’s Far East, including the approaches to Vladivostok, which is expected to substantially expand our logistics and transport capabilities.

In addition, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the new road sections must ensure a driver-friendly environment for our people, offer modern amenities and reliable cell phone coverage. We have a lot of work to do, but I have no doubt that we will deliver on our goals as we always do, with proper professionalism.

In conclusion, I would like to once again thank everyone who contributes to developing the M-12 Vostok motorway. I wish you every success in your new and ambitious undertakings for the benefit of Russia and our people.

I suggest that we move on to the opening ceremony.

Mr Khusnullin has the floor. Go ahead, please.

<…>

Vladimir Putin: Dear friends,

I would like to congratulate everyone once again on this event – and mainly the builders of course, because this is the result of their work. They did a great job under very difficult conditions. I congratulate you, and wish you every success, as almost every speaker said.

All of us are motivated to continue this work. We will discuss these issues now with our colleagues at a meeting on implementing national projects and reaching national development goals. Infrastructure development is definitely one of our main goals.

Thank you! All the best!

Laying wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

2023-05-09T15:55:10+04:00

Following the military parade on Red Square, Vladimir Putin, together with the heads of foreign states who had arrived for the celebration of the 78^th anniversary of Victory, laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Alexander Garden and paid tribute to the fallen with a minute of silence.

Taking part in the ceremony were Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Victory Parade on Red Square

2023-05-09T15:57:30+04:00

President of Russia – Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Federation Armed Forces Vladimir Putin attended a military parade marking the 78^th anniversary of Victory in the 1941–1945 Great Patriotic War.

Alongside with the President of Russia on the stand were Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Before the parade, Vladimir Putin welcomed the heads of foreign states who had arrived in Moscow for the celebrations, in the Heraldic Hall of the Kremlin.

The parade began with the national flag of Russia and the Banner of Victory carried into Red Square. The parade was led by Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Ground Forces Army General Oleg Salyukov and reviewed by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.

The marching column on Red Square included 30 ceremonial regiments of over 8,000 service personnel, among them 530 troops taking part in the special military operation.

The motorised column was headed by the legendary “Victory tank” T-34–85. Tigr-M and BTR-82A armoured personnel carriers, Bumerang infantry fighting vehicles, Iskander-M operational tactical missile systems, S-400 Triumf air defence launchers and Yars mobile ground-based missile systems drove through Red Square. The newest Spartak and 3-STS Akhmat armoured vehicles were presented at the parade for the first time.

The music accompaniment was provided by the combined military orchestra.

* * *

Speech by the President of Russia at the military parade

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Citizens of Russia,

Dear veterans,

Comrade soldiers and sailors, sergeants and warrant officers, midshipmen and sergeant majors,

Comrade officers, generals and admirals,

Soldiers and commanders participating in the special military operation,

Happy Victory Day!

Happy holiday that commemorates the honour of our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers who glorified and immortalised their names by defending our Fatherland. They saved the humankind from Nazism through immeasurable courage and immense sacrifice.

Today, our civilisation is at a crucial turning point. A real war is being waged against our country again but we have countered international terrorism and will defend the people of Donbass and safeguard our security.

For us, for Russia, there are no unfriendly or hostile nations either in the west or in the east. Just like the vast majority of people on the planet, we want to see a peaceful, free and stable future.

We believe that any ideology of superiority is abhorrent, criminal and deadly by its nature. However, the Western globalist elites keep speaking about their exceptionalism, pit nations against each other and split societies, provoke bloody conflicts and coups, sow hatred, Russophobia, aggressive nationalism, destroy family and traditional values which make us human. They do all that so as to keep dictating and imposing their will, their rights and rules on peoples, which in reality is a system of plundering, violence and suppression.

They seem to have forgotten what the Nazis’ insane claims of global dominance led to. They forgot who destroyed that monstrous, total evil, who stood up for their native land and did not spare their lives to liberate the peoples of Europe.

We see how in certain countries they ruthlessly and cold-bloodedly destroy memorials to Soviet soldiers, demolish monuments to great commanders, create a real cult of the Nazis and their proxies, erase and demonise the memory of true heroes. Such profanation of the feat and sacrifices of the victorious generation is also a crime, an outright revanchism on the part of those who were cynically and blatantly preparing a new march on Russia and who brought together neo-Nazi scum from around the world for this.

Their goal – and there is nothing new about it – is to break apart and destroy our country, to make null and void the outcomes of World War II, to completely break down the system of global security and international law, to choke off any sovereign centres of development.

Boundless ambition, arrogance and impunity inevitably lead to tragedies. This is the reason for the catastrophe the Ukrainian people are going through. They have become hostage to the coup d’état and the resulting criminal regime of its Western masters, collateral damage in the implementation of their cruel and self-serving plans.

The memory of defenders of the Fatherland is sacred for us in Russia, and we cherish it in our hearts. We give credit to members of the Resistance who bravely fought Nazism as well as the troops of the allied armies of the United States, Great Britain and other countries. We remember and honour the feat of Chinese soldiers in the fight against Japanese militarism.

I strongly believe that the experience of solidarity and partnership during the years of fighting a common threat is our invaluable heritage and a secure foothold now when the unstoppable movement is gaining momentum towards a more just multipolar world, a world based on the principles of trust and indivisible security, of equal opportunities for a genuine and free development of all nations and peoples.

It is crucial that leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States have gathered here in Moscow today. I see it as appreciation of the feat of our ancestors: they fought and won together since all the peoples of the USSR contributed to our common Victory.

We will always remember that. We bow our heads in cherished memory of those who lost their lives during the war, the memory of sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, grandfathers, husbands, wives, sisters and friends.

I declare a minute of silence.

(A minute of silence.)

Citizens of Russia,

The battles that were decisive for our Motherland always became patriotic, national and sacred. We are faithful to our ancestors’ legacy and have a deep and clear awareness of what it means to be up to the mark of their military, labour and moral achievements.

We take pride in the participants in the special military operation, all those fighting on the frontlines, those who deliver supplies to the front and save the wounded under fire. Your combat activities now are of paramount importance. The country’s security depends on you today as does the future of our statehood and our people. You commendably perform your combat duty fighting for Russia. Your families, children and friends stand behind you. They are waiting for you. I am sure you can feel their unfailing love.

The entire country has united to support our heroes. Everyone is ready to help, everyone prays for you.

Comrades, friends, dear veterans,

Today, every family in our country honours Great Patriotic War participants, remembers their family members and their heroes, and lays flowers to military memorials.

We are standing on Red Square, a place which remembers retainers of Yury Dolgoruky and Dmitry Donskoy, the people’s militia of Minin and Pozharsky, soldiers of Peter the Great and Kutuzov, the military parades of 1941 and 1945.

Today we have here participants in the special military operation – regular servicemen and those who joined the army ranks during the partial mobilisation, troops of the Lugansk and Donetsk corps, many volunteer units, personnel of the National Guard, Interior Ministry, Federal Security Service, Emergencies Ministry and other security agencies and services.

My greetings to all of you, friends. My greetings to everyone who is fighting for Russia in the battlefield, who is now in the line of duty.

Our heroic ancestors proved during the Great Patriotic War that nothing can beat our strong, powerful and reliable unity. There is nothing stronger than our love for the Motherland.

For Russia! For our glorious Armed Forces! For Victory!

Hooray!