Vladimir Medinsky spoke at the National Centre RUSSIA about the historical significance of the unity of the country’s peoples

Unity and mutual assistance among peoples over the centuries have become the foundation of the Russian state. The historical roots of this model and the uniqueness of Russia as a "family of peoples" were discussed with young people by Aide to the President of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Russian Military Historical Society and First Secretary of the Union of Writers of Russia, Vladimir Medinsky. The lecture titled "The Historical Significance of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia" was held as part of the marathon "Russia — A Family of Families" organised by the the Russian society Znanie at the National Centre RUSSIA. 

Vladimir Medinsky noted that Russia is a civilisation-state with unique traditions of state-building: "Russia has always been characterised by the peaceful, gradual integration of different peoples as state borders expanded. For example, in the Decree on the Treatment of the Peoples of Siberia, Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich literally wrote the following: 'To bring them under the sovereign’s high hand with kindness, not with cruelty.' And all rulers of Russia tried not to deviate from this principle. A distinctive feature of this approach was the preservation of the peoples’ original culture and traditions, and the complete absence of any discrimination on ethnic grounds." 

According to him, Russia has always fundamentally differed from Western states which existed separately from their colonies, exploited other peoples and did not seek to integrate them into their societies. He also noted that Russia’s natural wealth, heritage and the unity of its peoples have long provoked envy among unfriendly states. 

"The multinational nature of our country is a great temptation for geopolitical opponents who dream of splitting Russia along ethnic lines. A fragmented country is easier to seize and easier to control afterwards. A recent historical example is Yugoslavia, divided into parts along national lines. Yet it was one of Europe’s largest economies, and the Yugoslav army was considered one of the strongest in Europe," he emphasised. 

Vladimir Medinsky added that only unity can ensure the preservation of statehood, peace and security. 

"What is unity? It is a sense of a common cause and joint action. It is an understanding of what we are working together for. Shared efforts in the zone of the special military operation and on the home front, the construction of our common home. That is unity," Vladimir Medinsky concluded. 

The marathon "Russia — A Family of Families" is aimed at strengthening unity, interethnic harmony and mutual understanding among the peoples of Russia. It is dedicated to the launch of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia.