Vladimir Putin launched the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia at the National Centre RUSSIA
The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, launched the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia at the marathon "Russia — a Family of Families" organised by the Russian society Znanie at the National Centre RUSSIA. The event brought together more than four thousand participants — representatives of over 190 peoples of the country, school students, university students and international guests.
Decree No. 962 "On Holding the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia in the Russian Federation" was signed by the Head of State on 25 December 2025.
"It is worth remembering where we all come from — how Russia was born and how our peoples emerged, including the Russians as a nation. All of this emerged from different Slavic groups that once lived separately and united only when they developed a shared territory, common — as we would say today — economic interests, unified authority and shared spiritual values. The Russian people are still a young people, passionate and oriented towards the future. But gradually, on the same foundations, our multinational country of Russia was formed as different peoples joined it. What is important and interesting? It formed in different ways. But what was the most important thing? Endless respect for the peoples who became part of Russia, full respect for their culture and traditions, for their spiritual values. That is why over the centuries our values also became shared. Outwardly, they certainly differ from one another — and this is very important, this is good, this must be supported — but the core values are shared <...> I declare the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia open. Congratulations to you!" Vladimir Putin said.
All 89 regions of the Russian Federation joined the ceremonial opening of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia via a live link. Throughout the day, lectures and open dialogues by well-known public figures, scientists, representatives of culture, athletes and Heroes of Russia were held at the National Centre RUSSIA. The focus of both speakers and young people was on the significance of unity among the peoples of Russia, shared cultural heritage and traditions, courage and the defence of the Motherland.
During the marathon, guests took part in creative, sports and culinary master classes led by renowned experts. Screenings of documentary films about the nature, culture and history of Altai, the Russian North and Kamchatka were also held. In the folk literature library, visitors were able to explore a collection of works by outstanding writers from different peoples, while in the Gastronomic Rows the team of chefs from the project "Gastronomic Map of Russia" introduced young people to the culinary traditions of the peoples of the Russian Federation. As part of the ceremonial opening of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, a festive concert took place featuring performers and folk ensembles from all federal districts of Russia, including Tatyana Kurtukova, Nadezhda Kadysheva and the Golden Ring ensemble, Ay Yola, Miravi, Mia Boyka, UUTAi, the Russian folk-dance ensemble Rusy, the Assa ensemble, the Buryat Ethnocentre Nomin and others.
The Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia focuses on what brings the country’s residents together. Throughout the marathon, particular attention is given to shared history, culture and values, as well as unity and continuity of traditions. Special emphasis is placed on discussing modern examples of solidarity in service to the Fatherland. The President highlighted the special role of this event in strengthening spiritual closeness and mutual respect among the peoples of Russia.
The educational event of the Russian society Znanie was organised in partnership with the Government of Russia, the Federal Agency for Nationalities of Russia, Rosmolodezh, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the Presidential Council for Interethnic Relations, the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, the National Centre RUSSIA, the House of the Peoples of Russia, the Assembly of the Peoples of Russia, and the Eksmo-AST Publishing Group.
