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The keynote report was delivered by Presidential Adviser, Chair of the Council Yelena Yampolskaya. Other speakers included General Director of the Russian Znaniye Society Maxim Dreval, Rector of the Boris Shchukin Theatre Institute Yevgeny Knyazev, Head of the Department of Russian as a Foreign Language at Far Eastern Federal University (Primorye Territory) Liliana Voronova, Rector of the Crimean Republican Institute of Postgraduate Pedagogical Education (Republic of Crimea) Alexander Rudyakov, Director of the Russian State Children’s Library Maria Vedenyapina, Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, President of the Russian Book Union Sergei Stepashin, and Minister of Education Sergei Kravtsov.

The participants discussed the Native Toy national competition, the School Librarians professional skills competition, the contest for the most well-read school, the launch of a pilot version of the Say It in Russian game, the creation of reading clubs at schools and colleges as spaces that foster reading awareness and interest in literature, ways to promote, support and popularise the Russian language in the modern world, professional development programmes for teachers of Russian language and literature in the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics and in the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, the condition of children’s libraries and school libraries in Russian regions, and plans for holding a nationwide song poetry contest.

In particular, Rector of the Pushkin State Russian Language Institute Nikita Gusev proposed setting up a national interdepartmental centre for research and methodology at one of Russian universities, aimed at promoting the Russian language globally. Vladimir Putin supported this proposal and said that he would ask his colleagues from the Presidential Executive Office and the Government to elaborate it.

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Excerpts from the transcript of a meeting of the Council for State Policy on Promoting the Russian Language and Languages of the Peoples of the Russian Federation

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, good afternoon.

Tomorrow marks Russian Language Day, or Pushkin Day, in Russia. I extend my congratulations to you on the upcoming holiday, as well as to all our philologists, Russian language specialists, Slavic studies experts, teachers of Russian language and literature, and everyone who cherishes, values, and safeguards our native tongue – those who take pride in thinking and speaking one of the world’s most vivid, rich, and expressive languages, a language that unites the multinational people of Russia, reflecting our spiritual and moral traditions, culture, and unique identity.

At the Council’s meeting last November, we resolved to develop the Basic Principles of State Language Policy. This document is intended to ensure the development and protection of the Russian language as the official language of Russia and as a key pillar, a dominant element of Russia’s national civic identity. It will also create additional conditions for preserving and supporting the languages of all Russia’s peoples and their linguistic diversity, which constitute our national treasure and historical and cultural heritage.

Naturally, we must work diligently to strengthen the position of the Russian language and to enhance Russia’s significance in the global cultural space.

I am aware that the draft Basic Principles have already been prepared. Today, Ms Yampolskaya will elaborate on this in detail.

I would like to emphasise that among the key tasks of state language policy are improving the quality of Russian language instruction at all levels of general and professional education, as well as implementing a unified, balanced methodology for teaching Russian language and literature in schools – and, on this basis, creating a unified series of school textbooks and educational materials.

It is fundamentally important to systematically eliminate vulgar and mechanical foreign borrowings that do not enrich, but rather pollute and distort our language, especially when equivalent Russian terms have long existed. The same applies to the public space, where our historic alphabet, Cyrillic, should be used rather than a chaotic mix of Latin letters and other symbols. Our great writers of the 19th century already satirised such mimicry.

Naturally, implementing the Basic Principles should help improve command of the Russian language and encourage greater interest in reading. Books are an essential part of both education and family tradition. Children’s books, which serve as a gateway to the world of classical literature and its high moral values, must be accessible to every family.

In this context, and by analogy with the Pushkin Card, which allows schoolchildren to visit museums, theatres, cinemas and exhibitions, I propose launching a children’s book card programme from 2026. These cards, with a value of 3,000 rubles, would be given to families with preschoolers aged between three and six. Let me stress: each child will receive their own card upon turning three. This is particularly important for families with multiple children.

Let’s take some time today to think together about what this card could be called.

I would also add that the books eligible for purchase with the children’s book card should be selected by recognised experts, including respected authors, child psychologists, and early-years education and development specialists. Publishers taking part in the programme will need to offer reasonable pricing, so that one card can cover the cost of at least ten books.

Colleagues,

At our previous meeting, we discussed the legal framework for language policy. An instruction was issued to draft a new law on the languages of the peoples of the Russian Federation, which would include an official state register of these languages.

I urge you not to delay this work. It concerns the preservation and further development of Russia’s languages, their systematic support by the state, and the safeguarding of our country’s shared linguistic space.

In addition, I propose establishing a Day of the Languages of the Peoples of Russia, to be celebrated annually on September 8, the birthday of Rasul Gamzatov. The author of the iconic Cranes, he considered two languages to be his own: Avar, in which he wrote, and Russian, which brought his work global recognition.

Colleagues,

One of the most effective ways to promote the Russian language and literature, both within our country and abroad, is through meaningful and wide-ranging celebrations of significant anniversaries linked to great Russian writers.

The year 2024 was dedicated to Pushkin. This year, 2025, honours Sergei Yesenin – in October we will mark the 130th anniversary of his birth. Preparations are also underway for the 200th anniversary of Leo Tolstoy, which we will celebrate in three years’ time.

In addition, 2028 will mark 225 years since the birth of Fyodor Tyutchev. His famous words are often quoted: “Russia cannot be understood with the mind alone, No ordinary yardstick can span her greatness…” But his legacy extends far beyond poetry. A publicist, statesman, political thinker and diplomat, Tyutchev was a true patriot – an educated, broad-minded and wise individual. In one of his essays, addressing Europeans – it was specifically about Russian-German relations, though in essence it was a message to all of Europe – he wrote:“Russia is ready to respect your historical legitimacy. But you, in turn, must learn to respect us – in our unity and strength.”

Given Tyutchev’s immense contribution to our culture, literature, history and philosophy, it is only fitting that his anniversary be properly commemorated. I ask our colleagues from the Presidential Executive Office and the Government to prepare a draft executive order to this effect.

Colleagues,

I hope that today we will hear additional proposals on how best to promote and popularise the Russian language, including in our historic territories of Donbass and Novorossiya.

In addition, I believe it is essential that we continue discussing the renewal of collections in school and children’s libraries. As previously noted, we will also review progress on the creation With that, I give the floor to Ms Yampolskaya.

Adviser to the President Yelena Yampolskaya: Thank you very much.

Mr President,

In your speech at the Parade marking the 80^th anniversary of the Great Victory, you said, “Our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers saved the Fatherland. And they bequeathed us to defend the Motherland, to stay united and firmly defend our national interests, our thousand-year history, culture and traditional values – everything that is dear to us, that is sacred to us.”

The Russian language is one of these values and is a sacred matter for every citizen of Russia. Mr President, we tried to take this into account when we were working on the draft Fundamentals of State Language Policy.

Together with our colleagues from the Government and the Office of the Security Council, we have put together a draft document which has been coordinated with all the relevant agencies. I hope that this document meets the high standards you have just mentioned. Mr President, allow me, in the near future, to pass the draft of the Fundamentals of State Language Policy to you for consideration.

Thank you very much for the proposal to establish a Day of the Languages of the Peoples of Russia. It is wonderful that we are talking about this on the eve of Russian Language Day. There is no doubt that the emergence of such a holiday in the state calendar will, of course, give a new impetus to the development of literature in the languages of our peoples, our excellent school of translation, and will promote even greater mutual enrichment of the distinctive ethnic cultures which Russia is so rich with.

And of course, there are no words that can express my deep gratitude to you, Mr President, for the decision to launch the children's book card social programme. This is truly a big event. I myself read to my daughter every night and I know how it unites, how beneficial it is for the development of a child, their speech, imagination, and creative abilities. I would very much like the warm Russian tradition of family reading to return to every home.

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Mr President, let me briefly report on the implementation of some of your instructions issued following the previous meeting of the Council.

The instructions have become an excellent navigation guide for us, and we are trying to move quickly and efficiently.

Work is in full swing on a unified state line of Russian language and literature textbooks. We have set ourselves two main questions. First: who are we making textbooks for? Who are they, today’s schoolchildren? What are they like? How can we win their trust? Of course, textbooks should inherit the best national traditions, but at the same time be up-to-date in the best sense of the word.

Mr President, we reached out to modern Russian authors who write for children. Let them try their hand at writing texts for Russian language textbooks so that everything that is offered to pupils as examples, homework, or exercises carries meanings and values that go beyond theory.

And the second main question. What are we making textbooks for? What kind of person, or citizen do we hope to create with the help of the native word? The ability to distinguish metaphor from hyperbole or iambic from choric is, indeed, important. But first of all, it seems to us, it is necessary to teach a young person to distinguish between good and evil.

You remember that you and I were once taught a class-based approach to literature, and we still remember quotes like “awakened the Decembrists,” “mirror of the revolution,” “Pushkin misunderstood,” or “Nekrasov fought against the ugly manifestations of serfdom.” No argument, serfdom is certainly ugly. But, perhaps, to give a fuller picture, we should, perhaps, share how free laborers in England lived at the same time? Tyutchev quoted an unbiased opinion that there were at least a million people in the United Kingdom who would benefit from being exiled to Siberia.

Mr President, the approach of my colleagues and me can be called patriotic.

We proceed from the fact that Russian literature is one of the greatest in the world. This is a humble statement, because, perhaps, it is, indeed, the greatest. We do not oppose Russian literature and Russian history. We study foreign authors, and we talk about the outstanding school of Russian literary translation. In other words, the focus is always on Russia, it never shifts.

Of course, there are meta-subject links between literature and history courses. Mr Medinsky personally undertook to support us in this endeavour and to supervise this part of the work.

I would like to emphasise that according to our plan the literature of the peoples of Russia should be presented in every class. Tukay, Karim, Kugultinov, Kuliev, Jalil, Rytkheu, Gamzatov – this is by no means a full list of names, and there has never been such a system-based approach to this issue so far.

We believe that textbooks should spark a child’s interest and love for his native language and literature. And they will spend their whole lives trying to find answers to questions posed by the literature. Textbooks alone are not enough.

To ensure our work remains connected to real school practice, we have decided to establish an expert body within the Council, inviting teachers of Russian language and literature from all regions of our country to assist us in this work. In fact, they are already providing advice.

I would particularly like to thank our Ministry of Education, and personally Minister Sergei Kravtsov, for understanding these approaches and supporting our efforts. With special responsibility, Mr President, and with particular reverence, we have approached the preparation of a new Primer. In fact, we propose returning to the traditional title – Bukvar (Primer) – for this first textbook, as it is currently called Azbuka (Alphabet).

Allow me to request, Mr President, that you address a message to every first-grader on the first page of the future primer – the primer from the unified state textbook series. On September 1, most of them will hear your words read aloud by their teachers, parents, or grandparents. But a little later, children will read your words themselves. I am certain that pride – the feeling that the President of their country has addressed them personally – will undoubtedly remain, making the start of their school life even more momentous.

If you consider it possible, we would be most grateful for this.

Now, I must honestly admit that we have not managed to fulfil all your instructions on time.

You rightly noted that progress on the new law on the languages of the peoples of the Russian Federation has been slow. However, just recently, we held intensive discussions with Mr Valery Falkov on this matter. We agreed to accelerate the work. The Council has already proposed two drafts of the bill, but the lead executor here is the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, with the Government being ultimately responsible. We have certainly found common ground, so I believe we will intensify our efforts in the near future and successfully complete this work.

We face a similar challenge with the adoption of legislative initiatives to limit the excessive use of Latin script and Anglicisms. The bill has so far only passed its first reading in the State Duma.

I will not conceal that attempts are being made from various quarters to exempt certain spheres from this law – for example, advertising or commercial branding – essentially seeking to preserve Latin script in our surroundings as much as possible.

We consider this position misguided, and we continue to explain and defend our approach. We maintain dialogue with our colleagues and very much hope this matter will be brought to a proper conclusion.

On the other hand, Mr President, we have completed ahead of schedule your instruction to develop the mobile game Say It in Russian, which is designed to help young people appreciate the unique advantages of their native language in practice. Because English is obviously concise. English is concise and convenient – I often compare it to instant noodles: pour boiling water, and in one word, you get a multitude of meanings. But Russian words are like natural ingredients, from which you prepare a hearty, delicious, and wholesome dish – and fragrant, I might add, truly aromatic. English is for those in a hurry, while Russian is for those who have eternity behind them.

Thanks to the Russian Znaniye Society, the VKontakte social network, and the Pushkin Russian Language Institute, the game Say It in Russian has been launched in test mode. The nationwide Native Toy competition, which we are conducting on your instruction, is also underway. Among the finalist projects are those related to both the Russian language and the languages of Russia’s peoples.

The tradition of recitation programmes for schoolchildren has also begun to revive in a very lively and informal way, in response to your instructions.

I will briefly mention several new proposals. If you approve, we will use them in our further work as well.

First, Russia is placing an emphasis on educating the younger generation today. On May 19, you signed an Executive Order establishing the Interdepartmental Working Group on Education of Children and Youth. I believe that respect for their language and interest in good and useful books should be instilled as early as possible, from kindergarten and even earlier.

In general, I believe that the preschool education system should above all focus on teaching the right values. This component of education should be made its cornerstone. There was a reason [renowned educator Vasily] Sukhomlinsky said that childhood is the time for educating the heart.

If you agree, we will prepare relevant proposals as part of the interdepartmental working group.

Second, we propose including spaces dedicated to the Russian language in the Russia National Centre, the expo created following your Executive Order, and in any future branches of that centre as well.

Mr President, according to our estimates, there are less than ten museums of the Russian language and Cyrillic script in the whole country. With the exception of the Museum of Slavic Writing at VDNKh in Moscow, all the others are small, modest, private establishments or local school departments. One of them is the Russian Alphabet Museum, created by enthusiasts, in Belokurikha, Altai Territory, a village 100 kilometres from [writer Vasily] Shukshin’s birthplace.

We at the Council will certainly try to help such enthusiasts, but I am sure that the Russia National Centre team will be able to create a truly fascinating, creative, interactive Russian language space, of interest to both Russians and foreign visitors.

In conclusion, Mr President, I would like to propose holding a song poetry contest in our country.

It is wonderful that we have so many good songs that are well-loved and passed down from generation to generation. However, the past is not our only source of pride; we are also proud of the time we live in.

I would suggest naming the contest after the unforgettable poet Nikolai Dobronravov and inviting composer Alexandra Pakhmutova to be the honorary chair of the jury. I must confess that I have already discussed this possibility with her, and Ms Pakhmutova warmly agreed.

The winners could be rewarded with songs that our composers, both famous and new, will write with their lyrics. And I have reason to believe that many of our soldiers, special military operation participants, will be among the finalists, because defending their Motherland is probably the highest form of poetry available to a person.

Thank you very much for your attention.

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Vladimir Putin: I would like to ask all our colleagues attending this meeting and working with us to send us any ideas or proposals you might have. Please send them to Ms Yampolskaya, and we will analyse them together with the Government. If you notice any gaps or deficiencies, or that something is missing, please feel free to point this out to us. This is precisely what the Council is for. Its mission is to respond promptly to everything that takes place in the sphere of our concern and to quickly make the relevant amendments.

I would like to thank you for taking part in our joint work and for your proposals and ideas. We will certainly analyse and sum them up and apply them in our everyday work in the spheres the departments represented here today are responsible for.

Ms Yampolskaya, would you like to say something in conclusion?

Yelena Yampolskaya: Mr President, I have nothing to add other than words of gratitude.

Happy Russian Language Day.

Vladimir Putin: I would like to thank everyone once again.

As I said, we will certainly sum up and take your ideas into account in our joint work.

I would like to ask you once again to forward your proposals to the Presidential Executive Office without waiting for our next meeting in this format.

All the best.

Thank you very much.

Happy Russian Language Day.