Putin criticizes Russian nationalism: Emphasis on multiculturalism

12PUNTO FOREIGN NEWS

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during his visit to the Tver Region on Wednesday, stated that nationalist ideas are concerning for a multicultural country like Russia, noting that approximately 190 ethnic groups representing all religious denominations currently live in the country.

Putin's remarks were a reference to the slogan "Russia is for Russians," which supports the idea that the ethnic majority has more rights than other nationalities in the country.

Warning that Russia is a multinational and multi-confessional state and that the violation of any citizen's rights would only lead to the country's collapse, Putin added that all religions are treated with respect in the country. 

Putin said, "When I listen to those loud-mouthed patriots, and such people exist everywhere in every society, including those who say 'Russia is only for Russians,' I feel a sense of anxiety."

Emphasizing the importance of protecting the multinational Russian state, Putin warned that 'destructive thoughts such as everyone here is a foreigner except us' would ruin the country.

Putin emphasized that representatives of all religious denominations and all of Russia's peoples 'are showing their best sides on the battlefield today.' 

Putin used the following expressions:

"And they are taking care of both their own homelands and our common great Motherland, which I think no one else in the world takes care of their own homeland as much as they do."

News Source: 12punto