OREANDA-NEWS  Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated prominent figures of the country on Russia Day.

On Russia Day, Putin traditionally awards Heroes of Labor and laureates of state prizes in the fields of science and technology, literature and art, as well as humanitarian, charitable and human rights activities. The ceremony is taking place in the Grand Kremlin Palace.

"Dear friends and colleagues, I congratulate you on Russia Day! We celebrate this holiday with a warm, sincere attitude towards the motherland, with the understanding that all the stages of our state's more than a thousand-year journey are one single whole," Putin said.