Vladimir Putin presided over the Russia Day ceremony, emphasizing the unity and patriotism of the Russian people.

On Friday, Russian leader Vladimir Putin led the state awards ceremony at the Kremlin, on the occasion of Russia Day, where he emphasized the importance of unity and patriotism, which he called the 'core values' of the nation. In his speech, Putin evoked a 1,000-year history of the Russian state, including Kievan Rus and the period of Mongol invasion.

He stated that these values have helped the Russian people overcome difficulties and build their country. However, recent polls indicate a rise in dissatisfaction among Russians, with two-thirds calling for an end to hostilities and the start of peace negotiations with Ukraine. The ceremony was overshadowed by a massive drone attack from Ukraine, which targeted several Russian regions, including Tatarstan, where damage and hospitalizations were reported. Additionally, the authorities in Moscow canceled the traditional concert in Red Square due to drone threat, marking a first since 2003.