Putin praised the holiday and the idea behind it, noting that many families from across the country and other nations, including Belarus and China, have flocked to Moscow to take part in the festivities organized to celebrate the day.
"I would like to emphasize that in our country, the issues of raising children and strengthening family values are given priority attention by both the state and society. It is important that every child is surrounded by care and love, grows up healthy and happy, and develops their talents and abilities," Putin said. He praised the work of the Russian Children's Fund, a charitable organization that deals with a variety of issues concerning raising children and protecting the rights of minors.
In the run-up to the holiday, the president held a video conference with Russian families from various regions who were awarded the Order of Parental Glory. He praised the families present, all with three or more children, as "the pride of our country." According to Putin, there are now more than 2 million large families with multiple children in Russia, and the number has jumped by more than a quarter in the past few years.
Comment: The judge's take: