FILE PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with members of the Security Council, via video link in Moscow, Russia June 2, 2023. Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/Kremlin via REUTERS
MOSCOW (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin marked Russia's national day on Monday by appealing to Russians' patriotic pride at what he said was a "difficult time" for the country.
However, speaking at a lavish award-giving ceremony in the Kremlin, Putin made no direct comment on the latest developments in Ukraine, where Kyiv's forces have launched a long-awaited counteroffensive and have retaken several villages in the eastern Donetsk region over the past few days.
"This public holiday marks the inseparability of our centuries-old history, the greatness and glory of the fatherland," Putin told the assembled dignitaries.
"Today, at a difficult time for Russia, (feelings of patriotism and pride) unite our society even more strongly... (and) serve as a reliable support for our heroes taking part in the special military operation (in Ukraine)," Putin said.
Russia's Defence Ministry released a video for Monday's national day featuring scenes of Russian lakes, forests and Orthodox churches and icons, along with clips of soldiers expressing love for their country.
"I am Russian, thank the Lord, I am Russian, I am so lucky," says one.
"Russia is like a fortress above the abysss, it has stood and will stand," says another.
On this day in 1991, the Russian parliament formally declared Russian sovereignty from the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union was officially dissolved in December that year and the June 12 holiday was established in 1992.
Former president Dmitry Medvedev posted a mock-up picture on his Telegram channel of Russia's white, blue and red tricolor flag flying over Kyiv's central square, the Maidan, with a message saying it would soon be renamed "Russia Square".
Oleg Osipov, an aide to Medvedev, who is now deputy head of Russia's National Security Council, cited the former president as saying "Kyiv is our direct target. It is a Russian city and it will return home. We will not rest until we recover it. Happy holiday!"
(Writing by Gareth Jones; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
