Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated citizens on the Day of Reunification of the Donetsk People’s Republic, Lugansk People’s Republic and the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions with Russia emphasizing the historic significance of the event.
“Three years ago, in referendums held in Donbass and Novorossiya, millions of our compatriots freely and independently chose their future,” he said in a video address marking the occasion.
Putin noted that residents of these historic regions made the long-held dream a reality: “They fulfilled a dream cherished for many years and made a momentous, historic decision: to be with their Fatherland, with Russia, to return to their native family of which they had always been a part,” the president added.
He stressed that the entire country is engaged in a “battle,” defending this choice and upholding national interests, shared memory, and values.
From September 23 to 27, 2022, referendums were held in the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, as well as the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, on joining Russia. The overwhelming majority of residents voted in favor. On September 30, Putin and the regional heads signed treaties on the accession of these territories to Russia.
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Photo: Official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS