The Living Heritage Foundation planted an alley in honor of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia on the eve of SPIEF 2026

In the center of St. Petersburg, in Mikhailovsky Square, a leafy alley was planted in honor of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. The event was attended by veterans of the special military operation and their families, government and business representatives, and heads of foreign diplomatic missions. The symbolic action was the informal opening of the 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

The event has become a symbol of unity and responsibility, emphasizing that the forum is not only about the economy, but also about the values that unite our society. The ceremony was broadcast in real time on the digital screens of the MAER media holding, which allowed many people to become a part of this significant event.

A total of 89 trees will be planted in St. Petersburg during SPIEF 2026, according to the number of Russian regions. In Mikhailovsky Square, the participants of the ceremony planted deciduous trees — oaks and linden trees.

Veterans of military operations in the SVO zone planted trees with their children. In July 2023, Sergey Frumusaki, a resident of St. Petersburg, was seriously wounded while performing a combat mission in a special military operation zone, and was awarded the Order of Courage for his heroism. He came to Mikhailovsky Square with his 10-year-old daughter Yaroslav.

"Today we are not just planting trees — we are creating a living symbol of unity, the bond of generations and our shared responsibility for the future. It is especially important for the Donetsk People's Republic to participate in such events, because we are well aware of the value of mutual support and solidarity. We have a special relationship with St. Petersburg, which does a lot for the restoration and development of Mariupol. I thank the organizers of the action and the veterans of the special military operation, who with their courage and service show a true example of unity and devotion to the Fatherland," said Denis Pushilin, head of the Donetsk People's Republic.

The event was organized by the Living Heritage Foundation in cooperation with the Roscongress Foundation as part of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia announced by the President of the Russian Federation.

"SPIEF is always a conversation about the future of the country. And a tree is a very honest symbol of the future. The alley, planted in the center of St. Petersburg, is a living symbol of the unity of the country, respect for its history and responsibility to future generations. Trees have been growing for decades, and together with them, our common values, memory and sense of belonging to the fate of Russia should be strengthened," said Konstantin Mayor, Chairman of the Living Heritage Foundation.

The planted trees have a symbolic meaning: the oaks represent the strength and resilience of the Russian people, and the lime trees represent peace and care.