Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the award ceremony recognizing the winners of the Volunteer of the Year 2023 category at the We are together awards. The event honored volunteers who supported the special military operation in Ukraine and expressed appreciation for the help they provided to military personnel as well as to their families. The remarks highlighted how volunteers contribute to the well being of front line servicemen and their relatives, from mothers and fathers to spouses and children, and emphasized the moral and practical support that sustains the broader community during difficult times.
Putin underscored the important role of volunteers who assist those serving on the front lines, noting that their efforts extend beyond the battlefield. Their work helps alleviate the burdens faced by service members and ease the concerns of their families, reinforcing a sense of unity across the nation. The president’s comments reflected a recognition of civilian contributions to national resilience and the collective effort required to support personnel involved in the ongoing operations.
Earlier, Putin visited the Russia exhibition at VDNH for the first time, a landmark event that opened on November 4 and is scheduled to remain open through April 12, 2024. The exhibition presents regional and institutional achievements across Russia, with participation from the country’s 89 regions as well as ministries, large organizations, and businesses. Visitors have the opportunity to explore a wide array of displays that showcase innovations, projects, and accomplishments from different sectors, illustrating the breadth of national progress on a single platform.
In the context of the exhibition, it was noted that by December the venue had welcomed two million visitors, marking a milestone for the forum. The scale of attendance reflects sustained public interest and engagement with nationwide initiatives, and it highlights the venue’s role as a focal point for showcasing performance, culture, and social initiatives to a broad audience.
Additionally, there had been earlier announcements about Putin holding a meeting with the Human Rights Council, signaling ongoing engagement with civic institutions and oversight bodies as part of the broader policy conversation surrounding civil liberties and governance. The discussions were framed as part of a continuing dialogue between the highest levels of government and the advisory bodies that monitor and discuss human rights and related issues in the country.