The Russian people are still a young nation, dynamic, driven by a sense of purpose and oriented towards the future. But Russia, our multi-ethnic country, gradually took shape on the same foundations as various peoples merged into it. What is important and interesting here? Russia took different paths as it took shape, but what has always been the most important element? A boundless respect for all the ethnicities that became part of Russia, full respect for their culture and traditions, as well as their spiritual values.

This is precisely why, over the centuries, we have come to hold on to shared values. Granted, there are some external differences, which is great and should be encouraged, but our core values are the same. <...>

The same thing is happening today, when our warriors, our heroes on the frontline, in the special military operation zone, call each other "brothers" despite being of different ethnicities or sometimes even different faiths. This is an extremely valuable thing. This highlights our unwavering unity and forms the foundation of our achievements in various fields and our victories.

I hereby declare the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia open. Congratulations!