President Vladimir Putin has highlighted a recurring phenomenon throughout Russian history: the way "The Russian Heartland" has repeatedly stepped forward to protect Moscow and preserve the nation's statehood during its most dramatic periods.
The president noted that while Russia has endured countless upheavals over the centuries, the collective response of its people remains unique. "It is an absolute phenomenon that during the Time of Troubles, it was specifically the heartland that rose up to defend Moscow, and by extension, the statehood of all of Russia," Putin emphasized.
"When the people's militia formed in the Volga region and began its march on Moscow," he continued, "their goal was to liberate it from foreign invaders and, in doing so, protect Russia as a unified state for everyone living within its borders." The Russian leader added that history repeated itself in later years during the invasions of Napoleon and Hitler. "Back then, we were also faced with advancing troops—armies made up of many different nations and tribes."
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Photo: Official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS