The so-called Western community, the collective West — if we can call it that now — they are distorting everything. Because the increased military spending and this jingoistic fervor that they are displaying, all of it is based on one thing only: the premise that Russia allegedly plays an aggressive part. But it is the other way around.

I wholeheartedly congratulate you, your families, and your mentors on this special, unique, and deeply moving occasion. You are bidding farewell to school and stepping into a new, uncharted chapter of life. Together with your friends, you are dreaming and making plans – about who to become and what heights to attain. <…> The most important thing is to believe in yourself and to remember: any personal success acquires special meaning when your work benefits others and serves your Homeland.

The industrial, agricultural, logistical, and economic capabilities of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, as well as the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions, are vast and substantial. <…> At this new stage, we must fully unlock and realise this enormous potential, ensure a powerful economic revival and growth in our historical regions, strengthen their financial foundations, and enhance their self-sufficiency. We have all the necessary resources and opportunities to achieve this. Most importantly, people must see tangible improvements so they can return home, work, study, raise children, and plan their future on their native soil.