Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphasized the importance of developing the country, despite some people in the West not understanding it. He made the remarks during a meeting with the Supervisory Board of the Movement of the First, a Russian children and youth organization. Putin stated that there are people in the West who do not understand Russia, but this does not stop the country from developing and living. On the contrary, it should motivate the country to increase the number of people who understand and live in peace and friendship with Russia.
Putin emphasized that the success in this area can be achieved through intensive work with the youth, particularly children and teenagers, who form the foundation of the country’s future and value it. The Movement of the First, founded in 2022 with Putin’s direct support, has developed into a significant nationwide organization, with over 11 million members, uniting several youth organizations, including the Junior Army and the Russian Student Movement.
The main goal of the organization is to support young people in Russia on their path to success and it is crucial to help each individual find their “optimal” life path, Putin said. The movement’s central values, as listed on its website, include patriotism, service to the fatherland, historical remembrance, unity of Russia’s peoples, strong families, kindness and justice.
During the congress, Putin also emphasized the importance of the family, traditions and the country’s history, as well as the need to focus on the future, rather than just the past. He also supported the proposal to place the slogan “Duty, Fatherland, Honor” on the facades of educational institutions in the country, while stressing that this should be done in a moderate and appropriate manner.