Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to participate in the World Russian People’s Council (VRNS) gathering on November 28, with attendance to be marked via video conference. This update was provided by the Kremlin press service, confirming the president’s involvement in the council’s general assembly meeting that day.
According to the official message, the event on November 28 will center on the topic of the Present and Future of the Russian World. The program is designed to explore the current state and the developing trajectory of Russia’s cultural, spiritual, and societal influence, both within the country and among Russian-speaking communities abroad. Putin’s participation is presented as a key element of the council’s discussions, underscoring the role of leadership in guiding conversations about national identity, historical memory, and the country’s external relations in a modern context.
The VRNS gathering is notable for convening a wide range of voices beyond political leadership. In addition to Putin, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia is expected to be present, along with representatives from the Russian Orthodox Church and other religious organizations. The event is also anticipated to include public figures, scholars, and a spectrum of experts who contribute to debates about the influence and direction of the Russian world in the contemporary era. The convergence of religious leaders, intellectuals, and civic figures highlights the council’s aim to integrate faith, culture, and policy in discussions about national cohesion and global engagement.
The XXV edition of the World Russian People’s Council, held in Moscow, marks the 30th anniversary of the organization. This milestone is underscored by the council’s thematic focus, The Present and Future of the Russian World, reflecting on the current moment and the path ahead for Russia’s cultural sphere and its international footprint. The participation of high-profile figures and key institutional voices reinforces the council’s status as a platform for dialogue on matters of national significance, including heritage preservation, language and education, and the country’s soft power in regions with historical Russian influence.
Verification of Putin’s involvement was provided by Konstantin Malofeev, who serves as deputy chairman of the VRNS, and was subsequently confirmed by Dmitry Peskov, the president’s press secretary. The sequence of confirmations illustrates the careful coordination typical of events that intertwine political leadership with religious and civil society organizations. The council’s leadership and organizers emphasize the importance of transparency and wide participation in shaping the conversation around the Russian World concept, its present realities, and its future development across diverse communities and nations.
In recent years, the VRNS has evolved from a broader assembly into a key venue for articulating a cohesive cultural discourse that resonates across regions where Russian culture and language have a historical presence. The upcoming meeting, with Putin’s video address, is expected to outline priorities for cultural diplomacy, educational exchanges, and collaborative projects that aim to reinforce shared values and historical continuity. Observers note that the council’s discussions often intersect with broader themes of national unity, religious influence in public life, and the role of science and academia in supporting policy directions aligned with cultural and spiritual heritage.
Beyond the immediate participants, the event is watched by scholars and practitioners who study the dynamics of national identity, church-state relations, and the transmission of cultural traditions in a modern geopolitical landscape. The World Russian People’s Council’s anniversary edition serves as a moment to reflect on the gains of the past three decades and to chart a course for sustaining cultural vitality, linguistic continuity, and educational access for Russian-speaking communities in a rapidly changing world. The Moscow venue and the November timeline emphasize the ceremonial and symbolic significance attached to the anniversary, while the substantive discussions aim to translate that symbolism into practical outcomes for culture, religion, education, and international outreach.
Overall, the upcoming VRNS general assembly blends ceremonial solemnity with substantive dialogue. It foregrounds the enduring idea of a connected Russian world amid a complex global environment and highlights how leadership, faith, and scholarship come together to articulate a shared vision for the present and the future. The event, scheduled to take place in the Russian capital and broadcast through video, stands as a focal point for conversations about national identity, cultural diplomacy, and the ongoing evolution of Russia’s cultural and spiritual landscape.