"Diversity makes us strong": Yekaterina Andreyeva on the unity of Russia’s peoples

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Yekaterina Andreyeva, television presenter and journalist, shared what the unity of peoples means to her at the National Centre RUSSIA. According to the long-standing presenter of the programme "Vremya", it is not an abstract slogan, but the everyday reality of a country where people of different ethnicities live, and where everyone has the right to their own language, culture and traditions.

"The unity of peoples means shared cultural values, respect for each other’s traditions and the preservation of language, because Russia is home to many different ethnicities. I have always liked the fact that people in our country have had the opportunity to preserve their language, textbooks in their own language and their culture. For me, this respect for one another is the foundation of everything," Yekaterina Andreyeva said.

The television presenter emphasised that true unity is possible only when there is a place for everyone, regardless of the language they speak or the people they represent. According to her, it is diversity, not uniformity, that makes Russia truly strong.

"Unity is possible precisely because there is a place for everyone in our country, happiness for everyone and opportunities for everyone, regardless of the language you speak or the people you represent. The diversity of cultures, traditions and connections is very important; it makes Russia strong when the right approach is taken to preserving all of this. I sincerely believe that," Yekaterina Andreyeva added.

The regions held a special place in the television presenter’s reflections on unity. Yekaterina Andreyeva believes they give the country the historical depth that makes us strong, united and invincible.

"For me, national costumes and national legends are important. When I visit remote areas, which are what the whole country rests on, I always look at who wears what, try on kokoshniks or other headdresses and outfits, because this is where the historical depth lies, and it is what makes us powerful, strong, invincible and great," the television presenter concluded.

The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, launched the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the "Russia — A Family of Families" marathon. The event was held on 5 February and brought together more than four thousand people, including representatives of more than 190 peoples of Russia, schoolchildren, students and foreign guests.