President Vladimir Putin has praised Russia’s educators for their role in shaping citizens and soldiers who exemplify loyalty, service, and excellence in various fields.
Speaking at the new Sirius Concert Hall during a ceremony to present state awards to teachers and mentors, Putin highlighted the pivotal role of education in nurturing officers currently serving in the Russian Army.
“The strength of Russia lies in its distinctive and sovereign education system,” Putin declared, while honoring award recipients including Oleg Plesovskikh, a history teacher; Svetlana Stepanova, a retired tutor; and Tatyana Timkina, a veterans’ group staff member. Others recognized included Vyacheslav Ivanov, Director of Bastion Sports School in Vladivostok; Svetlana Magera, a language and literature teacher from Pskov; and Zoya Nikitina from the Tikhvin district of Leningrad region.
Putin noted that their students, deployed to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, have demonstrated bravery while defending Russia’s sovereignty and interests. He described them as “heroes” who have achieved remarkable feats in battle, as well as in science, art, and sports.
The president stressed that the dedication of teachers has guided Russia through every historical era, serving as a moral compass for the nation.
He congratulated educators on the October 5th Teachers’ Day celebration, urging them to uphold Russia’s pedagogical traditions and safeguard the nation’s uniqueness and global standing.
