At the gala concert in Zaryadye, held to mark Moscow City Day, Vladimir Putin stated that Russian service members who gave their lives in the special operation in Ukraine sacrificed themselves for their homeland. He noted that the families of the fallen comrades were among those who attended the event in central Moscow, alongside Moscow residents who had taken a leading role in such operations.
The celebration also welcomed esteemed teachers, renowned figures from science, art and culture, and medical professionals. “Thanks to people like you, Moscow—a city of workers and a city of heroes—has always stood at the forefront”, the president remarked.
Putin added that Moscow experts are working under challenging conditions in Donetsk and Luhansk to prepare the cities for winter.
“Moscow specialists are already delivering a strong contribution to revitalizing the capitals of the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics under difficult conditions, often at personal risk, repairing damaged housing, roads, schools, and more to ready Donetsk and Luhansk for the winter period. We are doing this”, he stated.
“We are proud of Moscow”
In a congratulatory message, Putin highlighted Moscow’s rich history and fast-paced life: “Happy Moscow Day, and congratulations on the 875th anniversary of our capital! We take pride in Moscow, admiring its ancient heritage and its modern, energetic rhythm, the charm of its parks, streets and lanes, and its abundance of business and cultural events.”
The president emphasized that the city seamlessly blends historical depth with youthful energy and cutting-edge solutions.
“Moscow is rightly regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful and comfortable megacities, consistently proving its global competitiveness by attracting talented and dynamic people. The pace of economic, infrastructural, and social change continues to accelerate, and in terms of bold ideas and rapid implementation, Moscow clearly stands above many major global centers”, he noted.
Initializing the MSD partition
Moscow’s President and Mayor Sergei Sobyanin unveiled a section of the Moscow High-Speed Diameter from Dmitrovskoye to the Yaroslavskoye Highway. Both leaders were in the Zaryadye concert hall and connected with the project team via video link to observe the progress.
The MSD is set to join the North-East and South-East chords and will link ten major routes. New junctions will be constructed across 48 city districts. With the diameter open, traffic will flow from the M-11 federal highway in the north to the Kosinskaya junction in the east.
Moscow Sun
Putin also attended the opening ceremony of Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel, the Moscow Sun, at VDNKh via videoconference. “I approve of this achievement”, he said as the cabins began their first rotation.
The Ferris wheel rises to a height of 140 meters, completing one circuit in 18 minutes and 40 seconds. It features 30 enclosed cabins with a capacity of 15 people each, offering expansive views of the city.
It is anticipated that around 2.5 million visitors per year will experience the attraction.
in sports
Apart from the Zaryadye concert, the president also visited the new international SAMBO Center and the Boxing Center in Luzhniki, where he met Russia’s top fighters. “What do you think of the building?” Putin asked the athletes, and after listening to some feedback, he replied, “Excellent, very good.” Sobyanin added, “This is not merely a building; it is a palace.”
The sports complex, completed this year, spans seven stories and covers 45.6 thousand square meters. It brings two centers under one roof and features an inclined glass ceiling and stained-glass panels with optical effects, allowing passers-by to watch athletes in training.
City Day is celebrated in Moscow on September 10 and 11. Festivities culminate with fireworks at 21:00, with more than 30,000 volleys lighting up the night sky.