Patriotic Pride in Putin’s Russia Day Speech Amid Tensions with Ukraine

President Vladimir Putin marked Russia Day by appealing to Russians’ patriotic pride in what he called a “difficult time” for the country. However, in his speech at the Kremlin ceremony, Putin did not directly comment on recent developments in Ukraine, where Ukrainian forces have launched a counter-offensive and over the past few days have captured several villages in the eastern Donetsk region.

“This holiday marks the inseparability of our centuries-old history, the greatness and glory of the fatherland,” Putin told dignitaries. “Today, in this difficult time for Russia, (feelings of patriotism and pride) unite our society even more… (and) serve as reliable support for our heroes participating in the military operation (in Ukraine),” Putin added.

Russia’s Defense Ministry released a video marking the holiday, which includes scenes of Russian lakes, forests, Orthodox churches and icons, as well as clips of soldiers expressing love for their country. One of the soldiers declared: “I am Russian, thank God, I am Russian, I am so lucky.” The other said: “Russia is like a fortress above the abyss, it has stood and will stand”.

On this day in 1991, the Russian parliament officially declared Russian sovereignty from the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union was officially dissolved in December of that year, and the June 12 holiday was established in 1992.

Former President Dmitry Medvedev posted a photo on his Telegram channel showing a mock-up of the Russian tricolor flag flying over Kyiv’s central square, the Maidan. He wrote that soon the square will be renamed “Russian Square”. Oleg Osipov, an aide to Medvedev and now deputy head of Russia’s National Security Council, quoted the former president as saying: “Kiev is our direct target. This is a Russian city and it will return home. We will not rest until recoverable. Happy Holidays!”

Putin’s address and Medvedev’s post come at a time when tensions between Russia and Ukraine are worsening. Ukrainian authorities recently launched a military operation to regain control of territories in the eastern Donetsk region that were under the control of pro-Russian separatists. Russia has been accused of military intervention and support for the separatists, which it denies.

Despite the events in Ukraine, Putin has not made a clear statement about them, preferring to focus on Russians’ sense of patriotism and pride in their country.