World News | Putin Lauds Russian National Flag, Self-determination

Moscow, Aug 22 (AP) President Vladimir Putin on Monday lauded Russia's flag as a symbol of a country that is determined to defend its interests and remain loyal to traditional values.

In a video address marking National Flag Day, Putin did not mention Russia's six-month-old military operation in Ukraine, but echoed some of the justifications cited for sending in troops.

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“The desire to live according to one's will, to choose one's own path and follow it, has become part of the genetic code of our people,” he said.

“We are firm in pursuing in the international arena only those policies that meet the fundamental interests of the motherland.”

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Putin and other officials have said Russia sent troops into Ukraine as effectively a protective measure against the encroaching West.

Putin also said that Russian schools beginning in September will open their school weeks with flag-raising ceremonies and singing of the national anthem. (AP)

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)