Meeting with representatives of the indigenous people of Russia

The event took place on the Day of Indigenous Peoples of Russia, which was established by Presidential Executive Order on November 4, 2025, and is observed for the first time this year.

Before the meeting, the President visited Znaniye.Heroes, an exhibition devoted to the heroes of the special military operation. Director General of the Znaniye Society Maxim Dreval and special military operation veterans Rodion and Kristina Puiko accompanied the President.

Held in Moscow at Manezh exhibition hall on April 28-30, Znaniye.The First educational marathon is dedicated to the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends, good afternoon.

Today, we are marking the Day of Indigenous Peoples of Russia for the first time. I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to all of you and all the people of Russia on this occasion. Why do you think I am sending my greetings to all Russian citizens? In fact, no matter whether you belong to an ethnic majority or minority, all the peoples of Russia form a single family, and this is what makes us strong. Ethnic groups both large and small must all realise that this is our common home, our homeland. This is the only way we can feel confident and advance in a sustained and steady manner.

Our country is home to 47 indigenous peoples. Each of them is an integral part of Russia and its unique diversity and serves as a keeper of unique traditions, cultures, and ways of life. Each people, and each ethnic group that is part of Russia's close-knit family of peoples represents our shared heritage. Preserving and supporting them, as well as ensuring their wellbeing, is essential to safeguarding and strengthening the unity of the nation as a whole.

Let me emphasise that Russia has historically emerged as a union of various peoples. We have been mentioning this often, but I think that repeating this message is absolutely appropriate on this day, so I wanted to emphasise this point.

I am looking at a married couple right now, since it embodies the very notion of a union, both literally and in a more figurative sense. The young wife comes from the Krasnodar Territory, while you are from the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area. People come together to form mixed families, which consolidates our unity.

To be continued.