Today, in the celebration of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, Russia also celebrates the Day of National Unity. In the fall of 1612, the people's militia under the leadership of Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky liberated Moscow from the Polish-Lithuanian invaders and put an end to the period of troubles. Representatives of different classes and nations fought shoulder to shoulder in the militia. Russia's strength lies in our unity, our shared history and our willingness to jointly defend our independence and our national interests. More than four hundred years separate us from those events, but their essence is eternal. Unity, mutual support and responsibility for the fate of the homeland in every era help us overcome the most difficult trials. Happy National Unity Day, my countrymen!

Today, in the celebration of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, Russia also celebrates the Day of National Unity. In the fall of 1612, the people's militia under the leadership of Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky liberated Moscow from the Polish-Lithuanian invaders and put an end to the period of troubles. Representatives of different classes and nations fought shoulder to shoulder in the militia. Russia's strength lies in our unity, our shared history and our willingness to jointly defend our independence and our national interests. More than four hundred years separate us from those events, but their essence is eternal. Unity, mutual support and responsibility for the fate of the homeland in every era help us overcome the most difficult trials. Happy National Unity Day, my countrymen!