Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that mutual respect among peoples is the foundation of Russia's sovereignty and independence. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
Putin made the statement at the plenary session of the international week "Peoples of Russia," held in Moscow on National Unity Day. "We proudly recall the origins of this holiday. At that time, representatives of different nationalities and faiths stopped internal conflicts and restored statehood and legitimate authority," he said.
The president noted that Russia historically developed through the interaction of peoples, languages, and customs. According to him, over centuries the country's peoples have "absorbed" each other's cultures. "Harmony and mutual respect among peoples are the foundation of Russia's sovereignty and independence. Its diversity contains strength and great potential," Putin stated.
He also emphasized that today it is crucial to suppress any actions aimed at inciting interethnic discord and undermining stability in the country. During the special military operation, more than a hundred representatives of various nationalities of Russia were awarded state decorations for courage and heroism.
As a historical example, Putin cited the militia of Minin and Pozharsky: "Ordinary people, representatives of different nationalities joined the militia of Minin and Pozharsky, which gathered on Nizhny Novgorod land. They accomplished the feat of saving the Fatherland and expelling the invaders from the Kremlin. Since then, the unity of all the peoples of Russia has always played and continues to play a crucial role in its destiny," the Russian president said.
It is worth noting that these statements were made within the framework of the international week "Peoples of Russia," timed to coincide with National Unity Day. During the event, Putin also praised a project that unites social initiatives.