Proactive love and responsibility for Russia, guarantee the inviolable sovereignty of our state. That's one of the quotes from today's speech by Putin. But those words don't only apply to the attendees. Putin spoke at the Russia Day reception held in the Kremlin.
Denis Davydov with the details.
The Russia Day reception stands out from the other protocol events that the president attends. It's held in open air instead of the main halls. The Ivanovskaya Square of the Kremlin welcomes the most outstanding people of the motherland. Almost 1,500 people were invited to celebrate the national holiday at the heart of the country. However, in his speech, Putin addressed millions. The President wishes all of his countrymen a happy Russia Day.
President Putin: "For us, Russia, the motherland, is much more than the place where we were born and live. In our hearts, we feel an indissoluble bond to our history, spiritual values, and moral principles. And this invisible but durable thread binds all generations together. Today, proactive love for Russia, responsibility for it the readiness of each person to join in addressing national challenges and, no less importantly, everyday challenges is what guarantees the inviolable sovereignty of our state".
The young Russia Day has already become a major national holiday. On June 12, 1990, the Declaration on the State Sovereignty of Russia was adopted.
Anna Netrebko, People's Artist of Russia: "We want our beloved motherland to grow stronger and prosper. We love it and are proud of it. Happy Russia Day!"
Karen Shakhnazarov, People's Artist of Russia, director: "It's good to have resources, but our most precious resource is our people".
Vladimir Mashkov, People's Artist of Russia: "Russia's is our great country. Look how many talented and amazing people are here".
Russia advances despite the pressure, as it has been for centuries. Its current challenge is the sanctions which the West imposed to cripple our economy, but failed. The West also failed to isolate Moscow politically.
Konstantin Kosachev, Chairman of the Federal Council on International Affairs: "Their policy has failed. We've honorably endured the toughest challenges".
Kirill Dmitriev, General Director of the Russian Investment Fund: "Abe and Macron said that international issues can't be solved without Russia. Many investors from the Middle East and Asia wish to actively invest in Russia".
Even the US Ambassador, Jon Huntsman, came to the Kremlin. He tried to hide under a tent either from the cameras or the rain.
Sergey Ivanov, Special Representative of the President: "Rain is always a good sign. So I hope that a bright future awaits Russia".
Leonid Roshal, President of the Pediatric Surgery Research Institute: "There is optimism, which will allow us to win. Our current level of care differs greatly from just ten years ago. We have new hospitals, new treatments, and new diagnostic methods".
Valery Gergiev, musical director: "The government supports all cultural institutions that are historically important such as museums, theaters, and orchestras".
The president set the task to achieve a breakthrough in both the economic and the social spheres. Is this generation of young Russians ready to fulfill this ambitious task?
Viktor Sadovnichy, President of Moscow State University: "Social fluctuations are like a sine wave. We're currently at the peak. Our youth wants to pursue science and take up tough challenges".
Yelena Shmelyova, head of the Talent and Success Fund: “We want to give our gifted students an opportunity to be engaged in solving contemporary challenges as soon as possible".
Denis Matsuev, People's Artist of Russia: "You see, this generation received a great traditional upbringing. Yes, this generation is indeed different but it's true, it's ours".
The president also spoke about the talents which Russia is so rich in. Vladimir Putin stressed that regardless of their occupation, all citizens contribute to the country's prosperity.
President Putin: "Let me propose a toast to our wonderful motherland to the prosperity of all the citizens of our country. Happy Russia Day!"
Denis Davydov, Ruben Miropov Alexandra Terpugova, Anna Medvedeva, and Konstantin Rodin Vesti.
