Dr. Syed Mehboob
Economic and Political Analyst
http//: www.thenewslark.com
Russia is one of the most important countries, with an area of 17,098 million square kilometers, spanning eleven time zones, sharing land borders with fourteen countries. It has fourth longest coast line of over 37,653 square kilometers, bordering three oceans, having 64th Human Development Index, a population of 146.028 million, GDP (PPP) US$ 7,525 billion (2026) , GDP ( Nominal) US$ 2,656 billion (2026). It is a permanent member of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and enjoys veto power.
12th June is a very important date in the history of Russia. It is called the birthday of MODERN RUSSIA. On June 12, 1990 the first Congress of Peoples’ Deputies of the RSFSR adopted the Declaration on State Sovereignty of Russia. It proclaimed the supremacy of the Constitution of the Russian Federation and its laws all over Russia. This day is considered the straight point of the modern history of the state. Many celebrations are held in all Russian cities on June 12. In the Kremlin, the President presents the national awards, and the main celebration takes place in Moscow on Red Square and ends with a grand fireworks display. Several festivals are held including Russia music festival, history festival Times and Epoch. Russian Victories and a film marathon have also been arranged. It has been celebrated annually on 12 June since 1992. The day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic ( RSFSR) on 12 June 1990.
President of the Russian Federation and the adoption of the new Russian Constitution to reflect the new political reality, the national flag, anthem, and emblem of the Russian statehood.
The country’s new name, the Russian Federation, was adopted on 25 December 1991. In 1992, the Supreme Soviet of Russia proclaimed 12 June as a national holiday. By presidential decree on 2 June 1994, the date was again proclaimed Russia’s national holiday. Under a subsequent presidential decree on 16 June 1998, the holiday was officially named “Russia Day”. In 2002, the new Labour Code gave its official seal to this title.
People may attend concerts and fireworks that take place in many cities throughout the country. Prominent Russian writers, scientists and humanitarian workers receive State Awards from the President of the Russian Federation on this day. Most public offices and schools are closed on 12 June. If the day falls on a weekend, the public holiday shifts to the following Monday. In some cities like Veliky, Novgorod, Izhevsk, Kemerovo, Krasnoyarsk, Ulyanovsk, Ufa, Tambov, 12th June is also celebrated as City Day.
By the way, it was on June 12 that, in addition to “independence,” Russia also gained its first President – on this day, but already in 1991, the first popular open presidential election in the country’s history took place, in which B.N. Yeltsin won. It was he who, by his decree No. 1113 of June 2, 1994, gave June 12 national significance, and the holiday itself was named the Day of Adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Federation. Later, for simplicity, it was called Independence Day.
Russia Day is an occasion for many Russians to demonstrate national pride. Some people celebrate Russia’s economic and social achievements and pay tribute to famous Russians on June 12. People may attend concerts and fireworks that take place in many cities throughout the country.
Russia Day is a national holiday in the Russian Federation. Most banks, public offices and schools are closed on June 12. If the day falls on a weekend, the public holiday shifts to the following Monday. Public transport schedules may vary depending on events taking place in each city on June 12.
The Russian flag and a two-headed eagle, the state symbols of the Russian Federation, are the most common symbols of Russia Day.
It’s celebrated in a similar way to Victory Day, with events taking place in almost all main streets, parks and gardens of the Russian capital and regions. In the Kremlin, the Russian President presents the state awards of the Russian Federation. The day’s events culminate in an evening fireworks display.
Concerts and fireworks take place in many cities throughout the country including Moscow. The largest concert is traditionally held at the heart of Moscow – the Red Square – and the most popular Russian artists perform there.
A special holiday program is prepared in Moscow parks. Entertainment is prepared for every taste and age in every corner of the city. Festivals, master classes and lectures, sports events and open-air film screenings await visitors.
Many Russians view today as the informal start of the summer season and take advantage of the day off work as a perfect opportunity to spruce up their gardens or view firework displays.
In 2019, the Russian Interior Ministry’s official spokesperson, Irina Volk, told TASS that more than five million people took part in over 4,200 festivities all across Russia to mark Russia Day. This can be imagined that how much important and source of great enthusiasm for the people of Russia this celebration is.
While it has been an official holiday since 1991, and since 2003 it was celebrated in a pomp and show.
Despite A sweeping coalition of over 16,500 European and American and its allies sanctions has been levied against Russia since February 2022 , targeting the Kremlin’s financial reserves, energy exports, military supply chains, and its networks. The US, EU and G7 nations have frozen US$ 285 billion of Russian assets. Despite these sanctions Russia is moving forward, economically strong, enjoying good relations with China, India, Pakistan, Central Asian and African countries. Russian has strengthened its territorial integrity, built partnership with key global players, mobilized domestic and attracted foreign investments, it is still a source of attraction for foreign tourists, it has modernized the armed forces and finally reestablished itself as a major power that has its say in global affairs.
Russian has a lot to be proud with. Its territory is the largest in the world, its 40% territory is in Europe and almost northern part of Asia. Its army which has always safeguarded the country’s independence and protected national interests, established a reputation as one of the world’s strongest and most effective one.
Its history is rich with many glorious proud achievements. One of the most important is the victory in 1945. Russian science and education systems are well known and respected globally. Russian explorer discovered more than 1/6 part of the world territory, including Arctic and Antarctic. Russian Cosmonaut Yury Gagarin was the first man in outer space. Lomonosov, Mendeleev, Lobachevskiv their contributions are always remembered. Russian culture, diverse and expressive, has, always been an inherent and essential part of the world’s cultural heritage. Poems and novels by Pushkin, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and other are translated into many languages and loved by international readers. Music by Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Shostakovich is a must at any classical music concert. And Russian ballet has already become a “ Special Feature” of Russian heritage.
Russia is one of the UN co-founder and a permanent member of its Security Council and is a strong advocate of durable international peace and security. The maintenance and strengthening of international cooperation and rule of law is among its priorities in the world arena. Russia has also repeatedly stressed the importance of upholding international law. In its relations with all foreign partners Russia has always been supportive unifying agenda, and stood against of any unilateral sanctions or restrictions.
In the international arena, Russia is a consistent advocate of promoting international relations based on the principle of equality, indivisible security, as well as inadmissibility of double standards and supremacy of international law.The events of the past few years have demonstrated the key role of Russia as mediator in solving many regional problems using political and diplomatic means.Throwing off the blanket of communist uniformity, modern Russia is a nation of enormous diversity and tremendous vitality. It is as if the cultural traditions of a century ago have re-awakened with a newfound strength – ancient cathedrals are being rebuilt and restored, colorful markets hum with activity once again and literature and the arts are quickly regaining the creative renown they enjoyed decades ago. A new Russia is now in full bloom. No other country can offer such a great variety of nature and wildlife, or so many diverse people and cultures.
I am proud that I have recently completed my century , 100 articles on Russia and I am part of historical efforts to promote Pakistan Russia friendship.
