Audience chanting: Russia! Russia!

Vladimir Putin: Thank you! Russia and the Volga, that is what I would like to start with. The Volga, the great Russian river, is right behind my back, not far from here. And it is one of the most recognizable symbols of Russia both in our country and across the world.

Why? There are many other rivers, and some of them are even larger than the Volga!

But the Volga is the soul of Russia. And why, for what reason? Because it is not only naturally beautiful, which is very important in itself, but also because there are great people who have lived here for centuries and live here today. It is you.

Many central historical events and achievements in our country have been connected with the Volga. Let's take the 18th century, for instance; the people's resistance that freed Moscow from foreign invaders arose here, in Nizhny Novgorod. The Battle of Stalingrad, which took place in 1943 here as well, changed the course of the Second World War. The Sarov nuclear center, the world's largest, was set up here after the war; this center created the conditions necessary for the balancing of power in the world and continues to facilitate international peacekeeping today. And many other significant things happened here. Why? I have already explained that it is because such people live here: an absolutely diverse group of people having different religious views, different ethnic background, different mentalities, but who are, nevertheless, united with common values, a love for and faith in Russia.

Audience chanting: We believe in Russia, we believe in ourselves!

Vladimir Putin: During the United Russia forum held today, we spoke of plans for developing the Volga region. These are really interesting, ambitious plans. Every person can help to find a way of making these plans a reality.
I am sure that people from different generations know the words of the well-known song: "From far away the river Volga long flows, the river Volga flows, and there is no end to it." Well there is no end to Russia, our beloved homeland.

Audience chanting: Russia! Russia!

Vladimir Putin: Thank you. I am counting on you and your support. Good luck!