Putin uses public holiday to praise patriotic feelings

The holiday comes amid intensifying counteroffensive operations by Ukraine against Russian forces that occupy about 20% of the country.

Thousands of people wave Russian national flags in Red Square (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP)

President Vladimir Putin on Monday marked the Day of Russia national holiday by praising the country’s patriotic tradition as a support for soldiers fighting in Ukraine.

At a ceremony presenting state awards he said: “This public holiday marks the inseparability of centuries-old history, the greatness and glory of the fatherland, affirms the unity of the multinational people, devotion to their country, a warm, sincere attitude towards their beloved motherland.