“Dear friends! Dear citizens of Russia! I extend my heartfelt congratulations on this holiday, the Day of Reunification of the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, the Zaporozhye and Kherson Regions with our large and united country,” Putin said in a video message broadcast on national television.

Three years ago, in referendums held in Donbas and Novorossiya, millions of our compatriots independently and freely chose their future, the president added in his message on the date.

Putin noted that the inhabitants of the historical regions had made their long-cherished dream a reality, with which they had lived for many years. “They made a momentous and historic decision: to be with their Fatherland, with Russia, to return to the native family of which they had always been a part,” the head of State added.

Putin specified that the entire country is fighting a “battle” to defend this choice and uphold national interests, share common memory, and values.

All of Russia has joined the program for the revival of the historically native Russian lands of Donbas, the president stated.

From September 23 to 27, 2022, referendums on joining Russia were held in the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, as well as in the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions.

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