Russian National Day, President Putin: Patriotism Unites Us in Difficult Times

President Putin while giving the award on the National Day of Russia. (Source: Kremlin)

JAKARTA - President Vladimir Putin marked Russia's National Day on Monday by appealing to Russian patriotic pride in what he said were "difficult times" for the country.

However, speaking at an award ceremony in the Kremlin, President Putin did not immediately comment on the latest developments from the battlefield in Ukraine.

Kyiv forces began their long-awaited counteroffensive, having managed to retake several villages in the eastern Donetsk region in recent days.

"This national holiday marks our history which is inseparable from the centuries-old history, the greatness and glory of our homeland," President Putin told the dignitaries present, citing Reuters, June 13.

"Today, in such a difficult moment for Russia, the feelings of patriotism and pride united our people even more strongly... (and) became a reliable support for our heroes who took part in special military operations (in Ukraine)," he continued. President Putin.

President Putin presenting an award on Russia's National Day. (Source: Mikhail Metzel TASS via Kremlin)

Meanwhile, Russia's Ministry of Defense released a video for Monday's National Day, featuring views of lakes, forests and Russian Orthodox churches and icons, along with clips of soldiers expressing love for their country.

“I am Russian, thank God, I am Russian, I am very lucky,” said one of the soldiers.

"Russia is like a fortress over the abyss, it has stood and will stand," said another in the video.

It is known that the Russian Parliament officially declared Russia's sovereignty from the Soviet Union on June 12, 1991. The Soviet Union was formally dissolved in December of that year and the June 12 holiday was established in 1992.

Separately, former president Dmitry Medvedev posted a clone image on his Telegram channel showing Russia's tricolor flag, namely white, blue and red, fluttering over Kyiv's Maidan square, with a message, the square will change soon. the name became "Russia Square".

Oleg Osipov, an aide to Medvedev, who is now deputy head of Russia's National Security Council, quoted the former president as saying, "Kyiv is our immediate target. This is a Russian city and it will return home. We will not rest until we recover it. Happy holiday!"