The Russian presidential press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, characterized patriotism as a steady choice to live in one’s own country and to devote one’s best efforts to its well-being. This interpretation was shared in a report by the agency TASS and has since circulated in official commentary and public reflections across the country.
Peskov explained that patriotism means loving one’s fiancé or partner, cherishing a child, pursuing work that is truly satisfying, and cherishing family above all else. In his view, these personal anchors are the foundation of a broader civic loyalty that fuels national development and social harmony.
From his perspective, citizens channel their patriotism into actions that sustain healthy, educated families. It is a daily, practical allegiance that translates into responsible behavior, support for community institutions, and an investment in the futures of loved ones and neighbors alike.
He added that true patriotism involves a deep desire to remain in and contribute to the country, to strive for the best outcomes for the nation, and to avoid harming its fabric. This is not a call for blind conformity, but a conviction that individual effort and integrity help build a stronger homeland.
Earlier, VTsIOM reported a broad sense of patriotism among Russians, linking love of the homeland to family ties and personal relationships. About sixteen percent of respondents associated patriotism with caring for family and loved ones, while fifteen percent tied it to the place of birth. A further ten percent connected patriotism with kindness to people, mutual understanding, and mutual aid, signaling the social dimensions of national loyalty as it is lived in daily life.
In December of the previous year, Putin publicly addressed the question of patriotism with a nuanced stance, noting that Russians who do not describe themselves as patriots should not be harshly condemned. The comment reflected a broader conversation about how citizens interpret loyalty, express it in diverse ways, and participate in the life of the country without stigma or coercion.