Putin spoke at the ceremony of awarding the municipal Service Award. The main thing

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at the All-Russian Municipal Service Award ceremony on April 21, the Day of Local Self-Government. The main topics were the 2026 elections, the work of veterans of the Russian Military and the unity of the peoples of Russia. The main statements of the head of state are in the material of Izvestia.

About the Day of Local Government

During his speech, Putin congratulated those present on the Day of Local Self-Government, noting that this holiday is of great importance not only for the participants of the ceremony, but also for all citizens of Russia.

He paid special attention to the municipal teams working in historical territories.: Donetsk, Lugansk People's Republics, Kherson, Zaporizhia regions, border regions and other regions that are subject to terrorist attacks.

"The courage of the people who, despite the danger to their health and lives, work selflessly in these territories is an example for the whole country," the Russian president said.

He also pointed out that the work of local government representatives in all regions of the Russian Federation requires a lot of effort, time and energy.

"People come to you with a variety of problems and needs. The atmosphere in a city or village, the mood and sentiments of residents depend on your desire to promptly resolve the issues that have arisen, on an attentive, conscientious attitude to people's requests, to their initiatives," he said.

Putin also recalled that "we are all working to strengthen the sovereignty and security of the country, its sustainable independent development. Managers at all levels are essentially a single team, and you, representatives of municipal authorities, are its foundation. For people, you are the face of the entire system of public power. It is on the ground that people's faith in the future is formed, which means that it is the foundation for our movement forward, for the development of Russia," said the President of the Russian Federation.

About the veterans of SVO

Putin drew attention to the fact that today veterans of a special military operation are coming to the front line of the municipal service from the combat front.

"Their willingness to make responsible decisions can increase the effectiveness of municipal government," the Russian president noted, adding that veterans of the SVR are already successfully working in a variety of positions and are doing a lot to support their comrades at the front who returned home with wounds, the families of SVR participants and those who gave their lives for their Homeland.

He also pointed out that the experience of veterans of their military is very important for the implementation of useful, socially significant cases and projects.

About the 2026 elections

Putin recalled that elections to the State Duma would be held this year, noting that they would be held in difficult conditions.

"We understand that the elections will be held in difficult conditions, and our opponents, as we will call them, or rather, opponents, primarily external ones, will try to use any opportunity to split and destabilize Russian society," the Russian president noted, adding with confidence that all these attempts will be suppressed, and voters will give preference for constructive political programs and ideas, patriots, and people of action.

On the unity of the peoples of Russia

During the ceremony, Putin recalled that 2026 has been declared the year of unity of the peoples of Russia.

"Together we must protect and strengthen this unique heritage," he said.

"We have many examples when it was the unity of people that ensured great victories and achievements of the Fatherland. And today we understand that the main thing is to be together. That it is only thanks to our unity that we will achieve the goals and a special military operation," the Russian leader said.