Putin lauds Moscow as city celebrates 878th birthday
Moscow is celebrating its 878th birthday this weekend with hundreds of cultural and public events. Russian President Vladimir Putin paid tribute on Saturday to the city’s role in the nation’s history.
Speaking at Zaryadye Park concert hall near the Kremlin, Putin called Moscow “one of the best cities on the planet” and extended his warm regards to residents as well as “all who sincerely love the capital.” He called it a “symbol of destiny and the historical mission of Russia as a state civilization.”
Putin also praised the capital as a strong rear base for the Russian army during the Ukraine conflict. Moscow, along with more than a dozen other cities throughout the country, has been regularly targeted by Kiev’s drones, which often strike residential buildings and civilian infrastructure.
The Russian Foreign Ministry also lauded the capital and released a video showcasing the city: “We, diplomats, have visited every city in the world. And we can say with absolute certainty, there is no other like Moscow,” the video reads. "Happy birthday — capital of civilization!”
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin also addressed the celebrations, underscoring the city’s cultural and political significance for Russia.
Nearly 150 concerts, festivals, contests, sports competitions, and workshops are scheduled across Moscow on Saturday and Sunday to mark City Day, local authorities said.
