Putin addressed Russians on the occasion of the Day of Reunification of new regions with Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, September 30, recorded an address on the occasion of the Day of Reunification with Russia of the new regions — the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics (LNR and DNR), as well as the Zaporizhia and Kherson regions.

"Three years ago, at referendums in Donbass and Novorossiya, millions of our compatriots independently and freely determined their future. They made a dream come true, which they had been living with for many years. They made the most important, fateful decision — to be with their Fatherland, with Russia, to return to their native family, of which they have always been a part," he said.

According to the president, residents of the new regions have made a firm and responsible choice. Together, the people of Russia are now defending their fundamental national interests, common memory and values, the Russian language, traditions, culture and faith.

The Head of State noted that he is also aware of the situation in the liberated cities and towns, where problems currently remain in such matters as water supply and access to quality medicine.

"At the same time, it is necessary not only to restore those destroyed during the fighting, but also to put in order the infrastructure that no one has really dealt with for decades. Therefore, a large-scale program of socio-economic development has been launched, and, in fact, the revival of our ancestral historical Russian lands. The whole country and all regions of Russia have joined it," Putin added.

Since 2022, more than 23,500 different facilities have been built and restored in Donbass and Novorossiya. These include residential buildings and schools, modern medical facilities, sports complexes and advanced youth centers. To date, 460 km of engineering networks and 6.35 thousand km of highways have also been laid and modernized.

"Yes, there is still a lot of work to be done, but we will certainly solve all the tasks set. We will provide the necessary conditions to unlock the enormous industrial, agricultural, scientific, and cultural potential of Donbass and Novorossiya, so that new forces can be created here, people can raise and educate their children and grandchildren, and more opportunities for education, creativity, self—realization, and professional growth can arise," the head of state said.

Putin also addressed the soldiers and officers of the Russian Federation, expressing gratitude to them for their honor and bravery, daily combat work.

"I am sure that thanks to you, Russia's security will be reliably ensured, and the long-awaited and lasting peace will return to the heroic land of Donbass and Novorossiya. We are together. And, therefore, all our plans will be realized. Happy holidays! Happy Reunification Day!" he concluded.

Under one flag in a single country: how Russia writes its modern history

Earlier, on August 30, the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Army General Valery Gerasimov, named the size of the Russian-controlled territory of the new regions. Thus, Russian troops liberated 99.7% of the territory of the LPR, 79% of the territory of the DPR, 74% of the Zaporizhia and 76% of the Kherson regions.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.