Russia: Putin praises Russian national unity on Russia Day

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a reception to mark Russia Day at the Kremlin in Moscow on Friday. Representatives of all Russian state authorities and religious communities were in attendance, along with those who received presidential awards for their service to the country. At the ceremony Putin praised the Russian people for their sense of unity, adding that Russia can deal with anything it has to face as long as the nation works together. Russia Day, celebrated on June 12, has been observed every year since 1992 to mark Russia's adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Federation. Many attend concerts and firework displays in cities across the country. In the capital renowned Russian writers, scientists and humanitarian workers traditionally receive awards and medals from the Russian president.