🎙 Russia's President Vladimir Putin addressed the Plenary Session held as part of the Peoples of Russia International Week (November 4, 2026) 💬 I would like to welcome the participants in the Peoples of Russia International Week and congratulate you and all citizens of the country on National Unity Day. This holiday symbolises our sincere, deep love for the Motherland, our duty to the Fatherland for the fate of our people, for the fate of the Motherland. <...> Special attention has always been paid to interethnic relations in Russia, as this area is very sensitive and delicate, and it must be borne in mind that life does not stand still, and new, often extremely dangerous challenges are emerging. We must stay alert, prevent any attempts to undermine social stability, incite discord between people, and remember that harmony, mutual respect between the peoples of Russia, and their unity are the mainstay of our country’s sovereignty and independence, while caring about the preservation of culture, customs, and languages of each people is the foundation of our national policy. *** 🇷🇺 Historically, Russia has developed through the interaction of peoples and ethnic groups, languages and customs. We have not just rallied over the centuries and epochs. It is no exaggeration to say that our cultures have literally grown into each other. This kinship, the soul of the people, is reflected in our thousand-year-old history, in the military chronicle of the Fatherland, and in its great achievements. <...> Let me stress once again: the Russian language and the Russian people have been and remain the foundation of the Russian statehood. With its unifying, creative mission, it is the guarantor of the preservation and progress of all other peoples of the Russian Federation, the preservation of their freedom and identity in harmony with unity. Therefore, support of the Russian culture, Russian language is strategically important. We have a big country, and I would like to reiterate once again: this diversity of cultures, traditions, and customs is our strength, a huge competitive advantage, and a potential. We must constantly strengthen it, protect the multinational harmony which our common heritage. <...> Read in full #UnityDay2026